Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi gets licenced

HYUNDAI has released a campaign video showing its all-electric and self-driving Ioniq 5 robotaxi successfully completely a process similar to that of a US driver’s licence test.

Created to convey what Hyundai says is the safety and trustworthiness of the vehicle, the video features an Ioniq 5 robotaxi completing a series of public-level driving tests, including a road driving assessment in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Demonstrating what Hyundai says was “outstanding performance”, the achievement of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi is said to underscore the model’s reliability, as well as the inclusivity of its autonomous vehicle technology, highlighting the potential to “safely provide freedom of mobility to all”.

In the video’s opening, we find an interview with a visually impaired American woman by the name of Pearl Outlaw and her mother Ruth. Due to mobility limitations relating to her condition, Pearl is unable to attain a driver’s licence.

For her and thousands like her, the technology offered by vehicles like the Ioniq 5 robotaxi enables independent mobility, and the freedom to explore without reliance on others.

In the “driving test”, the Ioniq 5 robotaxi excelled, impressing with its speed control, lane changes and its ability to recognise and obey signals, such as a stop sign. It also managed to successfully navigate the Las Vegas Strip, as well as the city’s suburban areas.

“I am a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) certified driving examiner with 25 years of experience,” said Kandice Jones, the examiner who tested the Ioniq 5 robotaxi.

“It is going to be the same criteria – just like testing a human.

“We’ll be monitoring the speed, lane changes, (and) I am going to grade manoeuvres, making a complete stop, left turns, maintaining the lane, and of course reaction time.”

Hyundai says the Ioniq 5 robotaxi is the “embodiment of transformative technologies in mobility coming together in one vehicle”. It is said to signify the collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and autonomous driving technology developer Motional, spanning years of development and rigorous testing.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi achieves consistent driving performance in various environs thanks to its suite of advanced sensors, combining LiDAR, radar and camera-based systems.

“As a company that pursues freedom of mobility, we at Hyundai aim to exhibit the safety and trustworthiness of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi through this campaign,” said Hyundai Motor Company senior vice president and global chief marketing officer, Sungwon Jee.

“We will continue our efforts to communicate our AI-based autonomous driving technology, which is set to provide positive changes to our customers’ everyday lives.”

The ‘Hyundai gets its driver’s licence’ video may be viewed here.