Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hyundai Motor's Motional launches robotaxi service in Las Vegas
Motional's IONIQ 5 robotaxi drives in Las Vegas in this undated photo. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
By Lee Min-hyung
Motional, the autonomous driving venture of Hyundai Motor Group, has launched a pilot robotaxi service in Las Vegas in partnership with ride-hailing platform Uber, the carmaker said Sunday.
The service uses the IONIQ 5 robotaxi and marks a meaningful step toward Motional's goal of commercializing its autonomous ride-hailing services later this year.
The pilot program will initially operate in high-traffic areas of the city, including hotels along Las Vegas Boulevard, the city's downtown district and the Town Square commercial area.
Motional plans to gradually expand the service coverage across the Las Vegas area by the end of the year.
Customers requesting rides through the Uber app will automatically be matched with Motional's IONIQ 5 robotaxi if their route falls within the designated service zone. Riders can take the robotaxi at the same fare as a regular ride-hailing vehicle, with no additional charge.
A passenger exits a Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxi in Las Vegas in this undated photo. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
When the robotaxi arrives at the pickup location, passengers can unlock the vehicle through the Uber app before boarding.
Once inside, the vehicle provides voice guidance including a welcome message and reminders to fasten seat belts. If passengers require assistance during the ride, they can connect with a support agent through the Uber app at any time.
The service builds on a 10-year strategic partnership signed by Motional and Uber in 2022. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous mobility by combining Motional’s self-driving technology with Uber’s global user network.
The companies have conducted previous pilot programs together, including an Uber Eats autonomous delivery trial in Los Angeles earlier in 2022 and a ride-hailing pilot in Las Vegas later that year.
Motional said safety remains the top priority in operating autonomous vehicles, noting that its robotaxi meets all safety standards required by Uber. The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is a Level 4 autonomous vehicle certified under the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
"Motional plans to incorporate user feedback from the trial, as it prepares to launch fully driverless robotaxi services by the end of this year," a Motional official said.