Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox is giving its futuristic robotaxi a makeover as it prepares for a broader rollout and a potential shift toward paid rides later this year.The company on Wednesday, June 24 unveiled the latest version of its robotaxi, a driverless vehicle known for its boxy shape, inward-facing seats and lack of a steering wheel or pedals. The redesign includes more comfortable seating, upgraded touchscreens and other interior tweaks.The redesign comes as Zoox prepares for a broader rollout of its autonomous ride-hailing service. The company currently operates in parts of Las Vegas and San Francisco and is testing or offering limited access in several additional U.S. cities.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs competition intensifies among robotaxi companies, Zoox is working to close the gap with industry leader Waymo, which recently reported more than 500,000 paid rides each week across 10 cities. Zoox says more than 500,000 riders have used its service since launching in Las Vegas last fall.What's changing in the new Zoox robotaxi?Many of the changes are designed around feedback from riders who have already used the service.Zoox said the updated vehicle features additional padding and ergonomic curves in the seats and headrests to improve comfort. The company also introduced a lighter interior color palette, upgraded touchscreens and larger cupholders.Other changes are intended to reduce a common travel headache: forgotten belongings. Zoox said updates to the vehicle's flooring, charging pad and interior trim make it easier for riders to spot phones, keys, bags and other items before exiting.AdvertisementAdvertisementOutside the vehicle, Zoox enlarged and repositioned its bidirectional reflectors, which help passengers and others identify the vehicle's front and rear. The company also added improved audio capabilities intended to enhance communication between riders, support staff and first responders.A Zoox robotaxi operates on the streets of downtown Austin, Texas, U.S., March 31, 2026. REUTERS/Joel Angel JuarezExpansion plans and production ramp-upZoox described the redesigned vehicle as its "production intent" robotaxi, meaning it is the model expected to be used as the company scales operations.The company plans to begin large-scale production at its Hayward, California, manufacturing facility, which opened in 2025. Zoox said the facility can eventually produce up to 10,000 robotaxis annually, with the ability to build as many as 100 vehicles per week as expansion continues.The new vehicles are expected to join Zoox's existing fleet later this year.Zoox still faces a key hurdleBefore it can launch widespread paid service, Zoox must secure federal approval.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe company is awaiting a decision from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on a petition that would allow up to 2,500 of its purpose-built robotaxis to operate commercially on public roads.Meanwhile, Zoox continues expanding its footprint. The company recently partnered with Uber to eventually make its robotaxis available through the ride-hailing app and is allowing select riders to access service in parts of Miami and Austin.Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSATThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon Zoox unveils redesigned robotaxi ahead of US expansion