Stepping Into the Future: My Driverless ZOOX Taxi Adventure
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into the future, let me tell you: it starts with a bright yellow dress, a whole lot of curiosity, and a robotaxi named ZOOX humming quietly on the Las Vegas Strip like it’s ready for takeoff. Picture this: no driver, no steering wheel, not even a “driver seat.” Just a cute cube-shaped pod waiting for me as if it knew I was coming. Honestly, it felt like boarding a friendly toaster with wheels a very expensive, very high-tech toaster.
The doors slid open like I was entering a sci-fi movie, and there I was, glowing in my sunshine-yellow outfit, instantly feeling like the “main character” of a futuristic rom-com. Inside, the seats faced each other, which made me feel like I should be conducting a business meeting with my imaginary robot board of directors. Instead, I just sat there trying not to look overly fascinated by every blinking light.
The moment we started rolling, I realized two things:
This robotaxi is smoother than half the human drivers I’ve ever ridden with.
I was smiling like a kid seeing a magic trick.
As we glided along the Strip, I kept glancing at the empty space where a driver should be. My brain kept doing backflips: “Is this safe? Yes.” “Is this wild? Absolutely.” “Is my yellow dress catching the neon lights perfectly?” Also yes.
Tourists on the sidewalk stared as the car passed by not because of my dress (though I like to think it helped), but because the robotaxi looked like it came straight from 2050. A couple even pointed, probably thinking I was either a celebrity, a beta tester, or someone who absolutely trusted robots with her life.
Every stoplight felt like a tiny celebration. No sudden braking, no questionable turns, just calm, confident robot navigation. I half expected it to say, “Please enjoy your ride, fabulous human.”
By the time we arrived at my destination, I didn’t want to get out. The ZOOX had won me over. A car with no driver, no drama, and perfect lighting for my yellow dress?
Las Vegas may be full of surprises, but riding a robotaxi on the Strip alone but not alone might just be my new favorite kind of wild.