Uber and Motional Launch Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas

Uber riders in Las Vegas can now request rides in all-electric Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxis, marking a significant expansion of autonomous vehicle options within the Uber platform. The service, launched on March 13, 2026, initially operates in select areas of the city, with plans for broader deployment throughout the year.

Initial Service Areas

Currently, the Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxis are available for pickup and drop-off in the following locations:

• Resorts World and Encore hotel casinos on the Las Vegas Strip
• Westgate (adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center)
• Town Square shopping center near McCarran International Airport
• Downtown Las Vegas curbside

Uber and Motional intend to expand the operating area in the future, though specific details have not yet been announced TechCrunch.

How to Request a Robotaxi

Although Uber users cannot specifically request a Motional robotaxi, they can increase their chances of being matched with one by enabling the “autonomous vehicle pickup” option within the Uber app’s settings TechCrunch.

Motional’s Journey to Driverless Technology

The launch in Las Vegas represents a major milestone for Motional, a Hyundai-owned autonomous vehicle technology company. The company faced significant challenges two years prior, stemming from a restructuring after Aptiv withdrew funding from the joint venture with Hyundai TechCrunch. Hyundai subsequently invested an additional $1 billion into Motional, leading to a workforce reduction of approximately 40% and a shift in technological approach.

IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Features

Motional’s IONIQ 5 robotaxi is a fully electric vehicle custom-designed for ride-hailing services. It is among the first SAE Level 4-capable autonomous vehicles certified in the United States InsideEVs. The vehicle is equipped with multiple lidars and cameras, and a central processing unit that combines data from these sensors to create a comprehensive view of the surrounding environment. This redundancy is designed to ensure safe operation even if one sensor fails InsideEVs.

Future Plans: Fully Driverless Rides

Both Uber and Motional anticipate offering fully driverless rides in Las Vegas by the end of 2026 National Today. For now, a safety operator will remain in the vehicle during all rides.

Uber’s Expanding Robotaxi Network

Motional is one of over 25 autonomous vehicle partners collaborating with Uber to expand its robotaxi network globally. Recent additions include self-driving Nissan Leaf EVs in Tokyo (through Wayve) and Zoox robotaxis too in Las Vegas TechCrunch.