Uber Launches Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas

Partnership with Motional brings self-driving IONIQ 5 vehicles to the Strip

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Uber Technologies has launched an all-electric robotaxi service in Las Vegas in partnership with autonomous vehicle company Motional. The IONIQ 5 robotaxis, which are designed specifically for ride-hailing, will initially be available at designated locations along the Las Vegas Strip with plans for future expansion. This marks a significant step in Uber's push to integrate autonomous technology into its platform.

Why it matters

The launch of Uber's robotaxi service in Las Vegas is a major milestone in the company's efforts to scale up its autonomous vehicle offerings. As the ride-hailing industry continues to evolve, the integration of self-driving technology could provide Uber with a competitive advantage and help drive the broader adoption of autonomous vehicles for transportation.

The details

The IONIQ 5 robotaxis are among the first SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles certified under U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. While the vehicles are designed for driverless operations, they will initially have a vehicle operator monitoring the road. Uber says the service will initially be available at designated locations along the Las Vegas Boulevard, with plans for future expansion.

  • Uber and Motional announced the launch of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi service in Las Vegas on March 13, 2026.

The players

Uber Technologies

An American mobility as a service provider, offering ride-hailing, food delivery, and other transportation services.

Motional

An autonomous vehicle company formed as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv.

IONIQ 5

An all-electric vehicle designed specifically for ride-hailing and built for reliable driverless operations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Uber plans to expand the robotaxi service to additional locations in Las Vegas and explore further partnerships to deploy autonomous vehicles in other markets.

The takeaway

Uber's launch of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi service in Las Vegas represents a major step forward in the company's efforts to integrate autonomous technology into its platform, positioning it to potentially gain a competitive advantage in the evolving ride-hailing industry.