A global driverless technology leader, Motional and Uber Technologies Inc announced the launch of their public robotaxi service in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to PR Newswire.
For the first time, Uber consumers could hail an autonomous ride using Motional’s fully-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5-based robotaxis. Uber and Motional are launching with vehicle operators to lay the preparations for a fully driverless commercial service to launch the driverless service to the public next year.
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.
Akshay Jaising, Motional’s Vice President of Commercialization
This service is the first in the 10-year commercial partnership to see Motional’s Level 4 autonomous vehicles deployed for deliveries and ride-hail on the Uber network in major cities in the US. The public robotaxi service will be launched first in Las Vegas before expanding to Los Angeles at a later date.
The Las Vegas pilot comes just a few months after Uber and Motional finalized the multi-year partnership. They are demonstrating that both are dedicated to entering new markets and introducing autonomous technology to millions of Uber consumers, all while making significant progress in leading the industry to zero emissions.
Motional has proven itself to be an industry leader, steadily and safely progressing autonomous technology towards a driverless future. 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.
Noah Zych, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber
Motional & Uber’s expertise in autonomous ride-hail and delivery
The announcement marks the second autonomous service launch from the two companies in 2022. In May, Motional’s autonomous vehicles started autonomous deliveries for Uber Eats consumers in Greater Los Angeles.
The service’s success, which expanded to additional restaurants, shows the market opportunity and the appetite among Uber merchants and consumers for a driverless delivery choice.
With yesterday’s launch, Motional is currently the first autonomous vehicle company to conduct deliveries and rides on a major network such as Uber.
Motional’s public robotaxi service in Las Vegas
Motional is experienced in deploying autonomous vehicles for ride-hail, as it operated a public robotaxi service in Las Vegas for five years. Mixing this expertise with the Uber network allows customers to experience autonomous rides for the first time in a safe, convenient, and affordable way.
At present, a robotaxi is an additional transportation option for Uber riders to select from, as they are empowered to go anywhere and get anything.
Customers could visit the Uber app and book a ride
Customers in Las Vegas wanting a ride in a Motional robotaxi could visit the Uber app and choose UberX or Uber Comfort Electric for a chance to be matched with a Motional autonomous vehicle.
If an autonomous vehicle is available for the trip, Uber will match the rider to the car, and they’ll receive an offer to opt in before the trip is confirmed and dispatched to pick them up.
