Zoox issues its second software recall in a month after a collision involving one of its robotaxis and an e-scooter in San Francisco on May 8. The incident saw an unoccupied Zoox vehicle, moving at low speed, struck by the e-scooter as it yielded at an intersection.
The e-scooter rider declined medical attention for minor injuries.
In a statement, Zoox clarified: 
“The Zoox vehicle was stopped at the time of contact. The e-scooterist fell to the ground directly next to the vehicle. The robotaxi then began to move and stopped after completing the turn, but did not make further contact with the e-scooterist.”
This comes on the heels of a previous recall of 270 vehicles after a crash in Las Vegas raised alarms about the self-driving software’s capability to predict others’ movements.
Zoox has shared details and footage with regulators and rolled out a software update aimed at improving perception tracking and preventing unwanted vehicle movements near vulnerable road users.
Recent recalls have added pressure. In March, Zoox recalled 258 vehicles due to incidents involving hard braking that resulted in collisions with motorcyclists.
TechCrunch is waiting for clarification on the latest recall, including the number of vehicles affected and changes made compared to the prior update. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also been contacted for more information.
With scrutiny on robotaxi safety increasing, Zoox’s latest update comes at a critical time.
