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Motional launches robotaxi service in Las Vegas

Uber is offering autonomous rides to customers for the first time following the launch of its robotaxi service with Motional in Las Vegas. In October, the ride-hailing giant and Boston-based self-driving tech company announced a major deal to deploy robotaxis across various cities in the United States over the next 10 years. Rides will be available in Motional’s self-driving version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which has been built from the ground up to deliver Level 4 automated functionality, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The robotaxi – which is already available for ride-hailing in Vegas via Lyft and Via – is fitted with a suite of more than 30 sensors, including lidar, radar and cameras. These deliver full 360-degree perception and 300-meter range detection of objects to ensure safe operation. To hail an Ioniq 5 via Uber in Vegas, riders simply visit the app and select UberX or Uber Comfort Electric. If a vehicle is available, Uber will match the rider to it and they will receive an offer to opt in before the autonomous trip is confirmed and dispatched to pick them up. The service will be free at first. It’s not yet been revealed how many robotaxis will be available on the Uber fleet initially, but the service will be available in high-traffic locations – including the strip – and operate during the day. We are most definitely looking forward to taking a ride in one at the CES 2023!!

Great news in the world of semiconductors!

The German cartel office has given the green light for Bosch, Infineon Technologies, and NXP Semiconductors to acquire stakes in TSMC’s new semiconductor plant in Dresden, Germany. Each of these renowned companies is set to…