Introduced: Robotaxi Model Based on Hyundai IONIQ 5

In a significant stride towards autonomous transportation, Hyundai has unveiled its self-driving IONIQ 5 robotaxi. This innovative vehicle is the result of a partnership with Motional, a US-based autonomous vehicle company, and ride-hailing service Lyft.

The IONIQ 5 robotaxi boasts Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, making it one of the most advanced self-driving vehicles currently in development. This level of autonomy means the vehicle can operate without human intervention under most conditions, including complex city driving.

The robotaxi is equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, combining radar, lidar, and camera technology, as well as advanced machine learning. Thirty sensors in total ensure a 360-degree field of vision, providing the vehicle with the ability to detect long-distance objects and navigate complex urban environments with ease.

This isn't Hyundai's first foray into the world of electric vehicles. The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai's first electric vehicle built from the ground up, marking a significant step forward in the company's electrification strategy.

The Motional robotaxi is already in testing in the United States and will debut in the metal later this week at the 2021 IAA in Munich. Testing will commence in the US later this year, paving the way for the vehicle's deployment in the ride-hailing network.

Lyft, a US-focused transportation service similar to Uber, has been a key partner in this project. The company currently utilises a fleet of Motional's autonomous BMW 5 Series vehicles in Las Vegas, in operation since mid-2018. Users of the Lyft application will be able to digitally hail the self-driving IONIQ 5 robotaxi across the rideshare network in several major US cities from 2023.

The robotaxi is set for service in the United States, specifically in and around the Los Angeles area. This marks a significant step towards the integration of autonomous vehicles into everyday transportation, with Hyundai and Motional at the forefront of this exciting development.

Other notable players in the autonomous vehicle market include Google's Chrysler Pacifica-based Waymo self-driving taxi, which is being tested in Phoenix, Arizona, and GM's Cruise autonomous vehicle service, which is being tested in unspecified western US states.

This deal between Hyundai, Motional, and Lyft follows a successful three-year partnership between the two companies. The partnership has already seen the deployment of autonomous vehicles in Las Vegas, and this new collaboration promises to further expand the reach and capabilities of self-driving technology.