Hyundai Motor Company has taken a significant step forward in the autonomous vehicle space with the unveiling of its latest campaign film. The film showcases the Ioniq 5 robotaxi, an all-electric and self-driving vehicle, adeptly navigating a series of tests closely mirroring the U.S. driving license examination. Filmed in the dynamic urban environment of Las Vegas, the video aims to highlight the vehicle's sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities, as well as Hyundai's commitment to safety, inclusivity, and mobility for all.
Central to the film's narrative is the personal story of Pearl Outlaw, a visually impaired American who, due to her condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa, is unable to obtain a driver's license. The film poignantly captures the significance of autonomous driving technology in enhancing the independence of individuals like Pearl, who face mobility challenges. Through the lens of Pearl’s story, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 robotaxi emerges not just as a technological marvel but as a beacon of hope for those yearning for a semblance of normalcy and freedom in their daily lives.
Kandice Jones, a DMV Certified Driving Examiner with a quarter-century of experience, was tasked with assessing the Ioniq 5 robotaxi. Jones, who has conducted thousands of driving tests, applied the same rigorous evaluation criteria to the robotaxi as would be used for human drivers.
The autonomous vehicle was scrutinised on various fronts, including speed control, lane changes, complete stops, left turns, maintaining lanes, and reaction times. Impressively, the Ioniq 5 robotaxi demonstrated a high level of competence in all these areas, navigating the streets of Las Vegas with precision and safety.
This achievement is a testament to Hyundai's extensive collaboration with Motional, an autonomous driving technology developer. The partnership has been instrumental in refining the Ioniq 5 robotaxi's advanced automotive platforms and self-driving technology. Equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite that includes LiDAR, radar, and cameras, the vehicle ensures consistent and safe driving performance across varied driving environments.
Sungwon Jee, Hyundai's Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, expressed the company's dedication to showcasing the safety and reliability of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi. Hyundai's investment in AI-based autonomous driving technology is a cornerstone of its strategy to enact positive change in the lives of its customers, aligning with its brand vision, ‘Progress for Humanity.'
Hyundai Motor Company, founded in 1967, has grown to be a global powerhouse in the automotive industry, with a presence in over 200 countries and employing more than 120,000 individuals worldwide. The company is on a transformative journey to become a Smart Mobility Solution Provider, investing in cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Through open innovation, Hyundai aims to introduce futuristic mobility services, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable future with the development of zero-emission vehicles featuring leading hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicle technologies.