Amazon acquired a startup ZooxАнна Saveliev | 26.06.2020
Rumors about the purchase first appeared last month. In 2018, the developer of the machines-drones-was estimated at $ 3.2 billion.
The exact amount is not disclosed, but sources say that Amazon paid $1.2 billion Acquisition will be the largest investment in the company’s unmanned vehicles.
While it is not clear why Amazon such a purchase, but the official statement says that the technology can be useful for Autonomous deliveries by type of delivery by robots and drones.
However, it is believed that the company will gather a fleet to compete with counterparts Alphabet’s Waymo.
Amazon will have almost 1,000 employees Zoox, but the startup will continue to operate as an independent business.
Zoox is developing bidirectional vehicle without a steering wheel. Testing is scheduled in 2020. Prior to this, the company was engaged in the technology of driving in the Park upgraded
SUV Toyota in San Francisco and Las Vegas, but because of the pandemic, the project had to be suspended.
For the same reason in April was dismissed almost all contractors and replacement drivers, but, after the lifting of restrictions Zoox can hire them back.
Recall that last year, Amazon took part in a round of financing Aurora Innovation technology startup headed by former Google project Manager on the drones. In addition
this giant has invested in the launch of the electric vehicle Rivian.
buying companies Unmanned vehicle
Amazon
