Autonomous vehicle company Zoox has opened what it claims is the first purpose-built serial production facility for robotaxis in the United States.
The newly launched site in Hayward, California, represents a significant step in the company’s plans to expand its autonomous mobility service, beginning with Las Vegas and San Francisco, and with future rollouts expected in Austin and Miami.
The 220,000ft² facility is Zoox’s second in the San Francisco Bay Area. Its original site in Fremont has been repurposed to support testing operations and configure sensor equipment.
READ MORE: WeRide’s Robotaxi GXR goes to Beijing to start fully autonomous commercial rides
The Hayward plant is designed to handle a wide range of activities including engineering, hardware and software integration, vehicle assembly, component storage, and quality control testing.
Zoox says the facility will eventually be capable of producing more than 10,000 autonomous vehicles per year, with output adjusted according to the needs of its commercial service.
The company builds and operates its own vehicles, allowing it full control over the manufacturing process and flexibility as demand evolves.
While automation plays a role in specific tasks such as adhesive application and moving vehicles along the production line, most of the assembly is performed manually. Zoox’s existing crew at the site will oversee training and take on leadership roles as the workforce expands.
The facility is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs in the region, including roles in operations, logistics, and assembly.
Environmental considerations were also factored into the design. Unlike traditional car manufacturing, the site avoids energy-intensive processes such as welding and painting, resulting in a lower overall power requirement.
The use of quieter, low-emission logistics equipment further reduces its environmental footprint. By outsourcing the preassembly of larger components, the company aims to streamline production while limiting industrial impact.
Vehicles produced at the plant undergo a rigorous testing process before entering service. This includes calibrating the sensors using a rotating turntable, adjusting wheels and headlights, stress testing on a dynamometer at speeds of up to 75mph, simulated rain tests to check for leaks, and a series of inspections for build quality and functionality.
Each robotaxi is also taken to an outdoor test track to verify autonomous driving performance and ride quality.
Zoox remains one of the only companies in the United States to operate a fully autonomous, purpose-built robotaxi on public roads. The opening of the Hayward facility forms part of its broader effort to scale production and expand its service to more cities in the coming years.
Innovative applications of AI in retail and e-commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, automotive, transport & logistics, and more will be celebrated at the Robotics & Automation Awards on 29 October 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s robotics and automation sectors!
