Amazon-backed autonomous vehicle company Zoox has grounded its test fleet in Atlanta after multiple safety drivers and contractors reported severe illness symptoms. Workers experienced vomiting, nausea, and strange odors inside the modified SUVs used for testing autonomous driving systems, pointing to potential exposure to hazardous gases like carbon dioxide.
The incident triggered an inquiry by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a worker’s complaint over safety protocols. While investigating the source of the issue, Zoox inspected vehicle exhaust systems and replaced batteries, announcing plans to equip all test vehicles with dedicated gas monitors to ensure operator safety.
- Zoox suspends autonomous test vehicle operations in Atlanta
- Safety drivers report severe symptoms and strange odors inside cars
- OSHA launches and subsequently concludes an inquiry following worker complaints
- Company introduces new gas-monitoring devices to protect test operators
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