Zoox recalls software in 105 robotaxis after smoke-detection issue

According to CNBC, Amazon-owned Zoox recalled software in 105 of its robotaxis after determining the vehicles failed to detect heavy smoke and drove into it. Zoox notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on July 8 and said it learned of the problem after a June 20 incident in Las Vegas, when an unoccupied robotaxi entered a smoke-obscured emergency fire scene, braked hard, and came to a stop before a teleguidance employee instructed it to reverse. Zoox said it found the June 20 event was the only one of its kind and that no injuries were identified. The recall came after NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison last week told autonomous vehicle developers to ensure their vehicles move out of the way of first responders and to present solutions to the agency by the end of the month.