Uber, Motional Launch Public Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas

Uber and Motional are bringing robotaxis to the glowing streets of Las Vegas.

The joint program marks the first time UberX or Comfort Electric customers can hail an autonomous ride using Motional’s all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5-based cabs.

Launching today with vehicle operators present—”to lay the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service,” according to a joint press release—the platform aims to go 100% autonomous next year.

“It’s a testament to our technology and the power of our partnership with Uber that we’re able to go from concept to consumer in such a short time,” Akshay Jaising, Motional’s VP of commercialization, said in a statement. “Las Vegas is the first of many cities in which Motional’s AVs will become an everyday transportation option for Uber customers looking for a safe and convenient ride.”

(Credit: Uber/Motional)

The milestone announcement comes just two months after Uber and Motional inked a 10-year deal to deploy Level 4 autonomous vehicles in major cities across the US. In May, Motional’s AVs began conducting autonomous deliveries(Opens in a new window) for Uber Eats customers in greater Los Angeles.

“Motional has proven themselves to be an industry leader, steadily and safely progressing autonomous technology toward a driverless future,” Noah Zych, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at Uber, said. “We’re thrilled to take this next step together in Las Vegas.”

Uber isn’t the first ride-hail company to hit The Strip with Motional: Lyft in August began offering rides in an all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicle. Upon arrival, the rider uses Lyft’s mobile app to unlock the doors; once inside, the car won’t move until the passenger presses a button to go.

Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai and auto supplier Aptiv, has already completed more than 100,000 autonomous rides across Las Vegas using previous versions of its AVs.

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