Hyundai Ioniq 5 robotaxi passes “driver’s license test” in the US

South Korean automaker Hyundai has released a new campaign film showing its electric Ioniq 5 self-driving robotaxi successfully completing a process similar to that of a US driver’s license test.

Hyundai has been working on developing these robotaxis based on its award-winning Ioniq 5 for several years now, in partnership with US autonomous vehicle start-up Motional.

The first Hyundai Ioniq 5 self-driving robotaxis were promised to be deployed in Las Vegas some time in 2023, featuring level 4 autonomous technologies developed by Motional.

Fast-forward to this week, and the new campaign video from Hyundai puts a human face on the benefits and opportunities of autonomous driving, pairing it with a driver’s license-like test overseen by a professional driving examiner.

“I’m a DMV Certified Driving Examiner with 25 years of experience,” said Kandice Jones, the examiner who tested the Ioniq 5 robotaxi. You can watch the video here.

“In that time, I’ve failed thousands and thousands of students in the interest of public safety.

“It’s going to be the same criteria – just like testing a human. We’ll be monitoring the speed, lane changes. I’m going to grade manoeuvres, making a complete stop, left turns, maintaining the lane, and of course reaction time.”

Jones said the Ioniq 5 impressed with its speed control, lane changes and manoeuvring, along with its ability to accurately stop at a stop sign, perform left turns, and its reaction time to developing hazards.

The video captures the Ioniq 5 robotaxi navigating the busy Las Vegas Strip as well as the city’s suburban areas.

“As a company that pursues freedom of mobility, we at Hyundai aim to exhibit the safety and trustworthiness of the Ioniq 5 robotaxi through this campaign,” said Sungwon Jee, senior vice president and global chief marketing officer at Hyundai Motor Company.

“We will continue our efforts to communicate our AI-based autonomous driving technology, which is set to provide positive changes to our customers’ everyday lives.”