Uber and Motional have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Las Vegas, allowing Uber app users to hail a driverless electric IONIQ 5 at no extra cost within specific zones. The vehicles will initially have a human safety operator, with a fully driverless service expected by late 2026.
This partnership is part of Uber's broader strategy to expand autonomous ride-hailing, following recent deals to deploy Zoox robotaxis in the U.S. and to collaborate with Nissan and Wayve for a pilot in Tokyo by 2026. Uber also plans to invest over $100 million in autonomous vehicle charging infrastructure.
The main topics covered are the launch of the Motional robotaxi service in Las Vegas, Uber's multiple autonomous vehicle partnerships, and the operational details and future timeline for driverless technology.
Uber and Hyundai Motor-backed autonomous vehicle firm Motional launched a commercial robotaxi service in Las Vegas on Friday, the latest in a string of similar tie-ups as the ride-hailing platform doubles down on its self-driving taxi strategy.
Uber has already partnered with major players in the âspace, including â Baidu, â Amazon's Zoox, Nissan and British startup Wayve, and said it will invest âmore than $100 million to develop autonomous vehicle charging hubs as the sector races âto commercialise driverless mobility at scale.
Uber's tie-up with Motional will allow Las Vegas users onits app to hail a âdriverless electric vehicle at no extra cost,the â company said. The service will cover pick-up zones along âLas VegasBoulevard, âincluding Resorts World, Encore at the Wynn, WestgateResort & â Casino, Downtown Las Vegas and Town Square near âtheairport.
Users requesting UberX, Uber Electric, Uber Comfort orUber Comfort Electric may be matched with a Motional IONIQ 5robotaxi, with the option to switch to a conventional ride. Motional's IONIQ 5 is among the first SAE Level 4-capableautonomous vehicles certified under the U.S.'s Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), âaccording to Uber.
The vehicles will initially operate with a human safetyoperator behind the wheel, with a âfully driverless âserviceexpected to be â launched by late 2026. Earlier this week, Uber signed a multi-year deal to deployAmazon self-driving unit Zoox's robotaxis on its platform, withlimited âservices already live in Las Vegas and a pilot riderprogram underway in San Francisco. On Thursday, Uber, Nissan and Wayve agreed to collaborate,targeting a pilot robotaxi launch in Tokyo by late 2026, markingUber's first autonomous vehicle partnership in Japan.
Uber has already partnered with major players in the âspace, including â Baidu, â Amazon's Zoox, Nissan and British startup Wayve, and said it will invest âmore than $100 million to develop autonomous vehicle charging hubs as the sector races âto commercialise driverless mobility at scale.
Uber's tie-up with Motional will allow Las Vegas users onits app to hail a âdriverless electric vehicle at no extra cost,the â company said. The service will cover pick-up zones along âLas VegasBoulevard, âincluding Resorts World, Encore at the Wynn, WestgateResort & â Casino, Downtown Las Vegas and Town Square near âtheairport.
Users requesting UberX, Uber Electric, Uber Comfort orUber Comfort Electric may be matched with a Motional IONIQ 5robotaxi, with the option to switch to a conventional ride. Motional's IONIQ 5 is among the first SAE Level 4-capableautonomous vehicles certified under the U.S.'s Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), âaccording to Uber.
The vehicles will initially operate with a human safetyoperator behind the wheel, with a âfully driverless âserviceexpected to be â launched by late 2026. Earlier this week, Uber signed a multi-year deal to deployAmazon self-driving unit Zoox's robotaxis on its platform, withlimited âservices already live in Las Vegas and a pilot riderprogram underway in San Francisco. On Thursday, Uber, Nissan and Wayve agreed to collaborate,targeting a pilot robotaxi launch in Tokyo by late 2026, markingUber's first autonomous vehicle partnership in Japan.
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