Uber and Motional Launch Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas Starting today, Uber riders in Las Vegas can now be matched with an all-electric Motional IONIQ 5 robotaxi, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology for public ride-hailing services. The service, announced on March 13, 2026, is a collaboration between Uber Technologies, Inc. And Motional, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology majority-owned by Hyundai Motor Group. At launch, the robotaxi service is available at designated locations along Las Vegas Boulevard, including rideshare zones at Resorts World Las Vegas and Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas, as well as curbside in Downtown Las Vegas and throughout the Town Square shopping district near the airport. Plans are in place to expand the operating area in the future. Riders who request an UberX, Uber Electric, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with a Motional robotaxi at no additional cost. When matched, users receive a notification and retain the option to accept the autonomous ride or switch to a non-AV vehicle. Once the robotaxi arrives, riders can unlock the vehicle and begin the trip directly through the Uber app. Inside the vehicle, audio cues remind passengers to close doors and fasten seat belts. To increase the likelihood of being matched with a robotaxi, Uber customers in Las Vegas can opt in to the Ride Preferences section of their Uber app under Settings. This feature allows residents and visitors interested in autonomous transportation to prioritize robotaxi matches. Safety remains a central focus of the partnership. Both Uber and Motional emphasize that the robotaxis meet all of Uber’s Autonomous Safety Guidelines. During trips, riders have access to human support through the Uber app if assistance is needed. Initially, Motional robotaxis in Las Vegas feature a vehicle operator monitoring the road ahead from behind the steering wheel, ensuring an added layer of oversight during the early phase of deployment. The IONIQ 5-based robotaxis are all-electric, aligning with broader sustainability goals in urban mobility. By integrating autonomous electric vehicles into its platform, Uber aims to expand access to innovative transportation options while advancing safety and environmental standards in ride-hailing.
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