Zoox updates software after robotaxi mishap at smoke-obscured fire scene

Zoox has rolled out a software update after one of its robotaxis failed to navigate a fire scene obscured by thick smoke.

According to the company, no passengers were on board, and the update has already been deployed across its fleet of 105 vehicles.

Separately, the NHTSA reiterated a key message for the market: autonomous vehicles must not interfere with emergency responders and must respond decisively to crash scenes.

Why it matters: AV reliability is judged not only in ordinary traffic, but also in rare, high-stakes scenarios.

Are robotaxis ready for situations like this?