Federal regulators give Zoox an exemption for its custom-built robotaxis

The article discusses how federal regulators in the United States have granted an exemption to Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, for its custom-built robotaxis. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also decided to close an investigation into Zoox. The exemption allows Zoox to deploy its self-driving vehicles without certain standard safety features required for traditional automobiles, such as side-view mirrors and a steering wheel. This exemption is seen as a significant step forward for Zoox, as it enables the company to move closer to commercializing its autonomous technology. The article notes that the closure of the NHTSA investigation is also a positive development for Zoox, as it removes a potential obstacle to the company's operations. The article does not provide further details on the nature or findings of the investigation. Overall, the article highlights the regulatory progress made by Zoox, which could pave the way for the deployment of its custom-built robotaxis on public roads in the future.