* Zoox's parntership with Uber ( UBER ) to debut in Las Vegas this

summer

* Zoox's unique design features no steering wheel or

pedals

* Uber ( UBER ) aims to lead global autonomous ride facilitation

by 2029

March 11 (Reuters) - Uber Technologies ( UBER ) signed a

multi-year partnership to deploy Zoox's purpose-built robotaxis

to its platform, the companies said on Wednesday, marking the

latter's first venture with a third-party ride-hailing service.

Despite lagging behind industry leader Alphabet's

Waymo in robotaxi deployment, Zoox has been gradually expanding

operations, launching limited services in Las Vegas and a pilot

rider program in San Francisco late last year.

Zoox said on Monday it will expand testing to Dallas and

Phoenix, along with launching a command hub for fleet operations

in Arizona.

The deal also adds to a flurry of partnerships between

ride-hailing platforms and autonomous vehicle developers as the

sector races toward commercialization.

With its partnership with 25 autonomous vehicle technology

developers, Uber ( UBER ) already offers rides in cities like Phoenix,

Austin, Atlanta and Dubai, and plans to expand to 15 cities

globally by the end of 2026. The company aims to be the largest

facilitator of such trips in the world by 2029.

The partnership announced on Wednesday is set to launch in

Las Vegas this summer, with a planned rollout in Los Angeles by

mid-2027. The robotaxis will remain accessible through Zoox's

app as well as the Uber ( UBER ) platform for all eligible trips.

Founded in 2014 and acquired by Amazon for $1.3 billion in

2020, Zoox has set itself apart with its boxy design that lacks

a steering wheel or pedals, tailored for passengers rather than

adapted from traditional car platforms.

The company has logged more than one million autonomous

miles and served over 300,000 riders.