Click to Enlarge.
Today, Motional, a self-proclaimed leader in driverless technology, and Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the IONIQ 5-based robotaxi), Motional’s next-generation robotaxi. It is Motional’s first commercial vehicle. If things work out, it will be used in its fully driverless public ride-hail service starting in 2023 through a deal with Lyft.
Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s interior provides – its claimed – passengers “with a spacious, comfortable place to work, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride.” In a nod to individuality, passengers “interact” with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop.
“We’re focused on mass commercialization, and the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is built for that purpose,” said Motional President and CEO Karl Iagnemma.
A steering wheel without the robot driving?
The companies claim there “are safety redundancies across every function, such as the navigation, steering, braking, and power, for a safe and smooth ride every time.” Motional will also be able to provide Remote Vehicle Assistance (RVA) to the IONIQ 5 robotaxis should they encounter an unusual road scenario, such as road construction or flooding. In such an event, a remote Motional operator could instantly connect to the vehicle and direct it to a new path.
Motional formed in March 2020 as an autonomous driving joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers offering smart mobility solutions, and Aptiv, a global industrial technology leader in advanced safety, electrification, and vehicle connectivity. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia.
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed
Click to Enlarge.
Today, Motional, a self-proclaimed leader in driverless technology, and Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the IONIQ 5-based robotaxi), Motional’s next-generation robotaxi. It is Motional’s first commercial vehicle. If things work out, it will be used in its fully driverless public ride-hail service starting in 2023 through a deal with Lyft.
Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s interior provides – its claimed – passengers “with a spacious, comfortable place to work, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride.” In a nod to individuality, passengers “interact” with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop.
“We’re focused on mass commercialization, and the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is built for that purpose,” said Motional President and CEO Karl Iagnemma.
A steering wheel without the robot driving?
The companies claim there “are safety redundancies across every function, such as the navigation, steering, braking, and power, for a safe and smooth ride every time.” Motional will also be able to provide Remote Vehicle Assistance (RVA) to the IONIQ 5 robotaxis should they encounter an unusual road scenario, such as road construction or flooding. In such an event, a remote Motional operator could instantly connect to the vehicle and direct it to a new path.
Motional formed in March 2020 as an autonomous driving joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group, one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers offering smart mobility solutions, and Aptiv, a global industrial technology leader in advanced safety, electrification, and vehicle connectivity. Headquartered in Boston, Motional has operations in the U.S and Asia.
AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.