"Uber and Motional have relaunched a commercial robotaxi service in Las Vegas, making all-electric Motional IONIQ 5 vehicles available to riders across key locations on and around the Strip from 13 March 2026. The service marks a significant milestone for Motional, which two years ago paused its commercial operations entirely, cut roughly 40% of its workforce, and was left fighting for its survival after co-founder Aptiv pulled its funding."
"The relaunch is not yet fully driverless. Initially, Motional's IONIQ 5 robotaxis will carry a human vehicle operator monitoring the road from the driver's seat. The company says it expects to remove the safety operator and begin a fully driverless service by the end of 2026, delivering on the target it set during its 2024 restructuring."
"Riders who request an UberX, Uber Electric, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with a Motional IONIQ 5 at no additional cost. When matched, a notification appears in the app giving riders the option to accept the autonomous vehicle or switch to a conventional ride. Users who want to maximise their chances of getting an AV can opt in via the Ride Preferences section in their Uber app settings."
Motional, backed by Hyundai, has relaunched its commercial robotaxi service in Las Vegas in partnership with Uber after a two-year hiatus. The company faced severe challenges when co-founder Aptiv withdrew funding, forcing a 40% workforce reduction and operational pause. The service deploys all-electric IONIQ 5 vehicles across key Strip locations and Downtown Las Vegas. Currently, vehicles operate with human safety operators in the driver's seat, though Motional commits to removing operators and achieving full autonomy by end of 2026. Riders can request robotaxis through Uber's app at no additional cost, with options to accept or decline autonomous vehicles. The service includes app-based vehicle unlocking, audio safety prompts, and human support access.
Read at TNW | Tech
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