For the past few years, East Bay EDA has focused resources in support of the region’s manufacturing sector, which plays an outsized role in our region’s economy. One of the bright spots has been a surge in new investment, which is helping to create companies that build upon the East Bay’s long history of innovation, particularly in robotics. In that vein, it was appropriate that January 2026 started with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoox robotaxi production facility in Hayward.
East Bay EDA members and partners who joined the tour got a unique glimpse into one of the Bay Area’s most advanced robotics manufacturing operations that recently opened in June 2025. In fact, the Hayward facility is the first purpose-built robotaxi serial production facility in the United States. The 220,000-square-foot repurposed manufacturing facility aims to produce up to 10,000 vehicles annually and create hundreds of technician jobs once production ramps up. Currently, you can find Zoox on the Las Vegas Strip and limited, waitlist-based service in San Francisco.
Our group was welcomed by Paul Nguyen, Chief Economic Development Officer, and Daniel Mao, Economic Development Specialist, from the City of Hayward. Mr. Nguyen stated that “Zoox’s investment in Hayward brings advanced robotics and autonomous vehicle production to a site with a long history of traditional auto production. Their presence and growth are an indicator of the City’s continued industrial transformation from a centrally located transportation and logistics hub to a prime destination for the next generation of advanced manufacturing and other innovative technology companies.” Indeed, the opening of the Hayward facility just last year is a testament to the Bay Area’s growing role in the autonomous vehicle industry and its potential to drive further innovation and job creation.
Innovative, cutting-edge companies like Zoox, along with more than 40 other East Bay-based companies representing 25 cities, will be recognized at our 13th annual East Bay Innovation Awards on March 26. To view a full list of awardees across the categories of Arts & Culture, Built Environment, Catalyst, Community Impact, Education, Engineering & Design, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and Technology, visit our January blog post highlighting our 2026 Awardees.
Read more about the industrial clusters and manufacturing networks driving the East Bay economy here.