Amazon's (NASDAQ: AMZN) autonomous vehicle unit, Zoox, has received the first U.S. regulatory approval to commercially operate paid robotaxis without a steering wheel or human controls, marking a major milestone for the autonomous transportation industry. Key Highlights 🚖 Historic U.S. Approval: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Zoox an exemption allowing commercial deployment of its purpose-built, steering-wheel-free robotaxis. 🤖 Up to 2,500 Robotaxis: Zoox is authorized to deploy up to 2,500 autonomous vehicles annually over the next two years, subject to state and local approvals. ⚡ Purpose-Built Autonomous Vehicle: Unlike traditional vehicles retrofitted with self-driving technology, Zoox's bidirectional electric robotaxi was designed from the ground up with no steering wheel, pedals, or driver controls. 📊 Enhanced Safety Oversight: NHTSA will require additional reporting on crashes and operational issues and retains the authority to revoke the exemption if significant safety concerns arise.