Uber has announced that moving forward, residents in Las Vegas will be able to choose a self-driving car as a transportation option due to its partnership with autonomous vehicle company Motional. Uber users who select UberX or Uber Comfort Electric for their trip may potentially end up in one of Motional’s all-electric IONIQ 5 robot taxis. Users will have the option to opt in before confirming their trip, so those who are uncomfortable without a real driver can find another vehicle.
Vehicle drivers will initially be riding together with passengers in the vehicle. However, Uber wants to have an entirely driverless service by 2023. Notably, Lyft has set this same goal. CES 2018 saw the introduction of autonomous rides in Las Vegas by Uber's competitor, who is also working with Motional.
Image Credit: Uber, Motional
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Autonomous Ride-sharing Services
- Opportunity for companies to offer ride-sharing services powered by autonomous vehicles to provide efficient and convenient transportation options.
- Robotic Taxis
- A potential disruption for traditional taxi services as autonomous taxis can provide a cost-effective option with reduced labor expenses.
- Self-driving Vehicle Partnerships
- The partnership between ride-sharing companies and autonomous vehicle companies can create a new market that could disrupt the traditional auto and transportation industries.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Transportation
- Opportunity for companies to explore the use of autonomous vehicles in transportation services, leading to more efficient and cost-effective operations.
- Automotive
- Opportunity for traditional automobile manufacturers to adapt to the rise of autonomous vehicles and offer new products and services related to autonomous technology.
- Ride-sharing
- Ride-sharing companies can partner with autonomous vehicle companies and explore new services to meet the changing demands of consumers for more efficient transportation options.
