Zoox, Amazon’s robotaxi unit, is expanding testing to Dallas and Phoenix and opening a command hub in Scottsdale to oversee fleet operations, marking its first entry into Arizona.

The expansion will create hundreds of new jobs through the new depots and fusion centers that will coordinate fleet operations, rider and remote guidance support, and tackle complex navigation challenges.

New depots in Dallas and Phoenix and a Scottsdale command center will serve as fusion centers, enabling centralized control of the expanded markets.

TechCrunch covers the development and provides contact details for the author of the article.

Regulators will host a national autonomous-vehicle safety forum with industry CEOs, including leaders from Waymo, Zoox, and Aurora, to continue safety discussions.

Zoox’s expansion hinges on federal exemptions and local regulatory approvals to operate a commercial robotaxi service, as its vehicle lacks a steering wheel and pedals and is not yet approved for full commercial operation.

Zoox has received a federal safety-exemption to demonstrate its AVs on public roads and awaits additional exemptions and local ride-hailing approvals before commercialization.

Amazon acquired Zoox for $1.3 billion in 2020 and is expanding robotaxi manufacturing, including a large Bay Area factory aiming to produce up to 10,000 vehicles per year.

Phoenix represents Zoox’s first entry into Arizona, a state known for permissive AV testing rules and favorable weather and terrain.

Zoox has served more than 300,000 riders since its launch in Las Vegas and San Francisco and operates in ten U.S. markets after the new expansion.

Zoox has logged over one million autonomous miles in Las Vegas and San Francisco, transporting more than 300,000 passengers.

The expansion grows Zoox’s testing footprint to 10 U.S. markets, adding Phoenix, Dallas, and other existing sites in Vegas, Bay Area, Seattle, Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and D.C.