Uber Launches Robotaxis But Driverless Fleet Is ‘Long Time’ Away
- Uber partnered with Motional to offer new service in Las Vegas
- The launch revives Uber’s self-driving fleet ambitions
Source: Uber Technologies Inc.
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Uber Technologies Inc. is launching its first robotaxi service, reaffirming the company’s commitment for a self-driving taxi fleet even as the hype around autonomous vehicles fades.
The San Francisco-based company is partnering with Motional, which is an autonomous driving joint venture between Hyundai Motor Co. and Aptiv Plc, to allow customers to hail self-driving rides in Las Vegas, the companies said in a statement Wednesday. The launch is part of a 10-year deal that will pair Motional’s all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis with Uber’s ride-hailing and delivery platform. The partnership began testing driverless food deliveries on Uber Eats in Santa Monica, California in May.