Motional, Hyundai Motor Group’s autonomous driving joint venture, said March 15 that it has launched a pilot robotaxi service with Uber in the city.
The service area includes Resorts World Las Vegas, hotels along the Las Vegas Strip, downtown and the Town Square shopping district. Motional said the coverage area will be expanded.
Riders can request a trip through the Uber app. If the route is within the pilot zone, an Ioniq 5 robotaxi will be automatically dispatched. Fares are the same as standard Uber rides, and users can ask to be reassigned to a non-robotaxi vehicle.
When the vehicle arrives, passengers unlock the doors through the Uber app and get in. After boarding, an audio message provides a greeting and reminders such as fastening seat belts. Riders who need help during the trip can connect to a support agent through the app.
Users can also set “ride preferences” in the Uber app to prioritize robotaxi trips. Motional’s Ioniq 5 robotaxi is an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle certified under U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
“Through AI-based autonomous driving technology, Motional can safely and smoothly drive the various routes requested by Uber users,” said David Carroll, Motional vice president of commercialization.
Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s head of autonomous mobility and delivery, said the company was pleased to launch autonomous taxis with Motional in Las Vegas. He said the service reflects the companies’ shared goal of prioritizing safety and trust while expanding access to transportation for more customers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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