Amazon(AMZN) CNBC·2025-05-23 22:17Core Insights - Amazon's Zoox robotaxi unit has issued a second voluntary software recall within a month following a crash in San Francisco involving an electric scooter rider [1][4] - The recall affects 270 vehicles and is aimed at addressing a defect in the automated driving system that could lead to inaccurate predictions of other vehicles' movements, increasing the risk of crashes [4] Group 1: Incident Details - On May 8, an unoccupied Zoox robotaxi was involved in a collision with an electric scooter rider while turning at low speed, resulting in minor injuries to the rider who declined medical attention [1][2] - The Zoox vehicle was stationary at the time of contact, and after the incident, it resumed movement but did not make further contact with the scooter rider [2][3] Group 2: Regulatory and Industry Context - Zoox submitted a voluntary software recall report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has advised road users to exercise caution around autonomous vehicles due to potential misjudgments in predicting the travel paths of cyclists or scooter riders [3] - The NHTSA has acknowledged receipt of the recall notice, emphasizing the risks associated with autonomous vehicles continuing to move after contact with vulnerable road users [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Zoox's recent incident follows a separate software recall announced two weeks prior due to a crash in Las Vegas, highlighting ongoing challenges in the autonomous vehicle sector [4] - Amazon acquired Zoox in 2020 for over $1 billion, aiming to advance the development of autonomous ride-hailing technology, while competitors like Alphabet's Waymo and Tesla are already operating or planning to launch commercial robotaxi services in various U.S. cities [4][5]