Uber Launches Self Driving Robotaxi in Las Vegas Using IONIQ 5

Las Vegas is becoming a real-world testing ground for the future of transportation. Uber has partnered with Motional, a company specializing in autonomous vehicle technology and majority owned by Hyundai Motor Group, to introduce a new robotaxi service powered by the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5.

Riders requesting UberX, Uber Electric, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric in certain parts of Las Vegas may now be matched with a Motional robotaxi at no additional cost. The service is currently available at specific pickup points along Las Vegas Boulevard, including rideshare zones at Resorts World Las Vegas, Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas, Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and areas around Downtown Las Vegas and the Town Square shopping district near the airport.

When a robotaxi is assigned, riders receive a notification through the Uber application and can choose whether to accept the autonomous ride or switch to a traditional driver. Once the vehicle arrives, passengers unlock the car and begin the trip directly from the Uber application.

Inside the vehicle, audio prompts remind passengers to close the doors and fasten their seat belts. For now, a trained vehicle operator sits behind the steering wheel monitoring the road, but fully driverless rides are expected to begin later this year.

The service represents another step toward integrating autonomous transportation into everyday urban life.