Motional and Uber Launch Their Public Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas

Hyundai-backed Motional and Uber have announced the launch of their public robotaxi service in Las Vegas. For the first time ever, Uber customers are able to hail an autonomous ride using Motional’s all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5-based robotaxis.

Motional and Uber are launching with vehicle operators now to lay the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service.

Customers in Las Vegas interested in taking a ride in a Motional robotaxi can visit the Uber app and select UberX or Uber Comfort Electric options for a chance to be matched with a Motional AV.

The goal is to launch the driverless service to the public in 2023. 

This service is the first in Motional and Uber’s 10-year commercial partnership that will see Motional’s Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) deployed for ride-hail and deliveries on the Uber network in major cities across the US.

The public robotaxi service will expand at a later date to Los Angeles.

Akshay Jaising, Motional’s Vice President of Commercialization, says: “Today, Motional becomes the first AV company to conduct all-electric autonomous rides on the Uber network for public passengers. 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. 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.”  

“Motional has proven themselves to be an industry leader, steadily and safely progressing autonomous technology towards a driverless future,” adds Noah Zych, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber. “We’re thrilled to take this next step together in Las Vegas, and look forward to continuing to integrate autonomous technologies into the Uber network to grow our business by providing customers with additional reliable, affordable and effortless transportation and delivery options.”

Motional has operated a public robotaxi service in Las Vegas for the past five years.