San Francisco is about to get a taste of the future, as Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company, launches its first public robotaxi service in select city neighborhoods. The aloe-green vehicles will begin operating in parts of SoMa, the Mission, and the Design District, offering free rides to carefully selected participants.

This limited rollout is part of Zoox’s strategic approach to introducing their cutting-edge driverless technology. Unlike traditional vehicles, these robotaxis are designed without steering wheels, representing a bold leap into autonomous transportation. The company plans to partner with local businesses, including a collaboration with Tartine Manufactory to transport workers to their Mission plant.

Zoox CEO Aicha Evans expressed excitement about bringing their “purpose-built robotaxi experience” to more people, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to revolutionizing urban transportation. The vehicles come equipped with modern amenities like wireless phone chargers, personal temperature controls, and ambient lighting that activates at night.

However, the service isn’t without potential challenges. Early riders have reported concerns about motion sickness due to the vehicle’s unique backward-facing seats. Zoox addresses this by recommending passengers choose forward-facing seats when possible.

The robotaxi market in San Francisco is rapidly evolving, with competitors like Waymo, Tesla, and Uber also developing autonomous vehicle services. Zoox has been testing its technology in the city since 2017 and recently launched a similar free service in Las Vegas.

Interested San Franciscans can sign up for the waitlist through the Zoox app, with selection based on location and fleet availability. While the current service area is limited, the company sees this as a first step towards broader urban mobility solutions.

As autonomous technology continues to advance, Zoox’s launch represents an exciting glimpse into the potential future of transportation – one where human drivers might become a nostalgic memory.