Self-driving Hyundai is put to the test
April 3, 2024
Hyundai Motor Company has released a campaign film showing the all-electric, self-driving IONIQ 5 robotaxi in action.
The vehicle was developed by Hyundai Motor’s autonomous driving technology partner Motional and the film shows it successfully completing a simulated process similar to a US driver’s license test.
Created to convey the developments made in the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s autonomous technology, the video features a simulation of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi completing a series of public-level driving tests, including road driving in Las Vegas, demonstrating outstanding performance. This achievement underscores the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s potential for reliability as well as the inclusivity of its autonomous vehicle technology, highlighting its potential to safely provide freedom of mobility to all.
The film starts with an interview with Pearl Outlaw, a visually impaired American woman, and her mother, Ruth. Pearl faces mobility limitations due to her condition, called Retinitis Pigmentosa, which hinders her from obtaining a driver’s license — an essential symbol of independence and freedom for many people.
Pearl’s story highlights everyday mobility challenges for the physically impaired, emphasising the significance of autonomous driving technology in providing independence. Hyundai Motor Group’s work in the area of autonomous vehicle technology can help fulfil her dream of independent mobility while offering the freedom to explore without reliance on others.1
Kandice Jones, the examiner who tested the IONIQ 5 robotaxi, said: “I’m a DMV Certified Driving Examiner with 25 years of experience. In that time, I’ve failed thousands and thousands of students in the interest of public safety. In the simulation of the driving test on a closed course, which was observed by Ms Jones, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi excelled, impressing with its speed control, lane changes and manoeuvring, its ability to accurately stop at a stop sign, perform left turns, and its reaction time to developing hazards.
Captured in the video of this driving simulation, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi effortlessly navigated the Las Vegas Strip, as well as the city’s suburban areas.
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi signifies the extensive collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and autonomous driving technology developer Motional, spanning years of development and rigorous testing of advanced automotive platforms and self-driving technology.
As the testing of these platforms and self-driving technology continues, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi has thus far achieved consistent driving performance in various driving environments thanks to its suite of advanced sensors, combining LiDAR, radar and cameras.
The film ‘Hyundai gets its driver’s license’ can be seen on Hyundai Motor Company’s official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHLVt5s30i0)