Zoox suspends test fleet operations in Atlanta over gas complaints — TechCrunch
Amazon-owned company Zoox has suspended operations of its test fleet of autonomous vehicles in Atlanta, United States, following reports from operator-drivers about possible gas exposure inside the vehicles. As TechCrunch reports, employees complained of symptoms that could have been linked to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide.
One contractor filed a complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The agency launched an inspection and asked Zoox to investigate the cases. An OSHA letter reviewed by the outlet states that up to 40 workers may have been exposed to gases, although Zoox cited a lower number.
Vehicle inspection
Zoox told OSHA that it had identified 28 workers who had been in six test vehicles with an “unexplained odor.” Ten people voluntarily underwent medical examinations, and the company received one medical report indicating exposure to carbon dioxide.
The company said it had not identified the presence of carbon monoxide in its vehicles. According to Zoox, the only gas it was able to detect in the vehicles was CO2. Zoox also reported consulting an external medical expert, checking exhaust systems for leaks, and replacing 12-volt batteries. Damaged batteries can emit hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs; some employees reported a similar smell in the vehicles.
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The company said it would install carbon dioxide sensors in the test vehicles. OSHA has already closed its inspection.
Worker complaints
According to contractor Jay Davis, on August 14, he and three colleagues felt unwell while riding in one of the test SUVs. One worker began vomiting, while the others felt dizzy. Davis claims that after returning to the base, the group was told to continue working in another vehicle, where the symptoms later recurred.
Three workers went to an emergency department, where they were tested for possible carbon monoxide exposure. According to Davis, elevated carbon monoxide levels were not detected in his body, but medical staff noted that the symptoms were consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. Workers also reported cases of feeling unwell in the following days, and on August 22, 911 was called for one employee.
Zoox’s purpose-built electric robotaxis were not affected by the incidents. The restrictions apply to Highlander test SUVs with internal combustion engines, which the company modifies to test autonomous driving systems.
