Key facts
- Zoox has grounded its autonomous vehicle test fleet in Atlanta due to potential toxic gas exposure.
- Workers reported symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide exposure.
- An OSHA complaint was filed, leading to an inquiry and a company investigation.
- Zoox stated it detected CO2 in impacted vehicles and replaced 12-volt batteries.
- The company has ceased operations of its test vehicles in Atlanta.
Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has grounded its test fleet in Atlanta after multiple workers reported experiencing symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The incidents, which occurred throughout August, led to an inquiry by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and prompted Zoox to investigate the exposures.
According to a letter from OSHA viewed by TechCrunch, as many as 40 workers may have been exposed, though Zoox states the number is lower. Jay Davis, a contractor who filed the OSHA complaint, reported experiencing symptoms including vomiting and lightheadedness, and stated that workers were allegedly sent back into the field after reporting illness. Some workers reported smelling a 'rotten egg' odor, consistent with hydrogen sulfide, which can be produced by damaged 12-volt batteries.
Zoox informed OSHA that it examined its test vehicles, replaced 12-volt batteries, and detected carbon dioxide in the impacted vehicles. The company also stated it consulted an outside medical expert and will add CO2 monitors to its vehicles. Zoox has ceased operations of its test vehicles in Atlanta while the investigation continues. Unlike competitors such as Waymo and Tesla, Zoox's test fleet vehicles utilize internal combustion engines, which can produce exhaust gases, whereas most other robotaxi developers use electric vehicles.