Watch: Hyundai IONIQ 5 Robotaxis Set to Launch in Las Vegas
With all the attention turned to Las Vegas and CES (Consumer Electronics Show) this week, Hyundai is providing further details and showing what its driverless vehicles can do.
Developed by Motional, a joint venture between the Korean automaker and Aptiv (formerly known as Delphi), these so-called robotaxis are based on the IONIQ 5 electric crossover. They’re currently hitting the final stretch of testing and validation in the streets of Sin City. If all goes according to plan, they will launch there in late 2023.
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But why start in Las Vegas? You see, for the 42 million tourists (pre-pandemic numbers) that hit the strip every year and go from one attraction to another, riding in a taxi is much more convenient than driving your own car or renting one. Think about the busy traffic, limited parking and the various obstacles you may run into, including a group of partying folks or street artists suddenly encroaching on the driving lanes.
Of course, all of this also represents a big challenge for a driverless vehicle, but Hyundai’s robotaxis are equipped with over 30 advanced sensors and cameras, plus special computers and software with ultra-fast processing capability.
As you can see on the pictures and in the video above, most of the sensors and cameras are encased on top of the roof, with the rest mounted at both ends of the vehicle and on each side, near the mirrors. They certainly give the IONIQ 5 an odd look, but in a city with so many odd-looking individuals and performers, not to mention SUVs turned into limos and all sorts of billboard trucks, nobody really cares.
By the way, you have probably noticed that there is still a steering wheel inside. Hyundai says the autonomous driving technology at work here is what is referred to as Level 4, meaning an actual driver could take over control of the vehicle should a problem arise.
Following the roll-out in Las Vegas, IONIQ 5 robotaxis will also be available in Los Angeles and eventually in other major cities both in the U.S. and globally—where local laws will allow it, obviously.