Zoox grounds Atlanta test fleet after workers report possible toxic gas exposure

Zoox has halted operations of its autonomous-vehicle test fleet in Atlanta while investigating reports that safety drivers may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen sulfide. The incidents led one worker to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which opened an inquiry.

An OSHA letter reviewed by TechCrunch said as many as 40 workers may have been exposed, although Zoox said the number was lower. Workers reported symptoms and unusual smells in the vehicles until August 22, when emergency services were called for a sick worker. The facility has operated at limited capacity since then, with test vehicles quarantined.

Zoox said it identified 28 employees who rode in six vehicles with an unexplained odor. Ten workers voluntarily underwent medical evaluations, and the company said it received one medical report identifying CO2 exposure. Zoox told OSHA in a September 10 letter that it found no carbon monoxide in the vehicles, detected CO2 in affected vehicles, and replaced their 12-volt batteries. It plans to add CO2 monitors.

Zoox said its purpose-built electric robotaxis were not affected. The company told TechCrunch it consulted an outside medical expert and had ceased test-vehicle operations in the market while it investigated. OSHA has since closed its inquiry. The exact gases involved remain unclear.