IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed

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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.

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed

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.

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