Zoox has grounded its Atlanta autonomous test fleet after safety drivers reported symptoms consistent with gas exposure last month. According to an OSHA letter viewed by TechCrunch, as many as 40 workers may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide. Zoox says the affected number is lower and has not identified carbon monoxide in its vehicles.
One contractor, Jay Davis, filed the OSHA complaint after he and others became sick in mid-August. He told TechCrunch that after one worker vomited, Zoox put the group back on the road in a different car, where they again experienced symptoms. Zoox said it is taking cautious actions and has ceased operations of test vehicles in Atlanta while investigating.
Zoox told OSHA it inspected exhaust systems, smoke-tested cabins, and replaced 12-volt batteries, which can emit hydrogen sulfide if damaged. The company said it detected only CO2 and will add CO2 monitors to vehicles. OSHA has closed its inquiry. Zoox's purpose-built electric robotaxis are not affected; the grounded fleet consists of modified Toyota Highlander SUVs.