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Motional’s all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis have achieved a critical milestone in autonomous vehicle development: successful testing at highway speeds of 75 miles per hour. This testing, conducted at Hyundai’s Proving Grounds in California, marks a significant step in scaling autonomous technology for complex driving environments. The effort highlights Motional’s commitment to rigorous testing to ensure safety, comfort, and scalability for future commercial operations.
Key Highlights:
- Highway-Speed Testing: Motional’s IONIQ 5 robotaxis autonomously navigated speeds of up to 75 mph on Hyundai’s closed-course 6.4-mile oval track in California.
- Partnerships at Play: Testing was made possible through Motional’s strategic collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group and Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI).
- Focus on Safety: A data-driven approach with custom simulations ensured safety validation before testing began on the track.
- Performance Optimization: Engineers fine-tuned braking, acceleration, and steering for smooth and safe highway operations, gathering critical data to enhance ride comfort and performance.
Motional’s testing methodology reflects its commitment to building a scalable and safe autonomous vehicle (AV) platform. By expanding testing from urban centers like Singapore, Boston, and Los Angeles to highway environments, the company aims to prepare its vehicles for a broader range of real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach is key to developing Level 4 driverless technology capable of commercial highway operations.
“We’re focused on safety, but also passenger comfort. In order for AVs to become a value proposition, they have to be used and enjoyed,” stated Motional. This user-centric feedback loop involves non-engineers assessing ride comfort, providing insights that are cross-referenced with system performance data for continuous refinement.
Rigorous testing across diverse environments and driving conditions is central to Motional’s vision of transforming transportation with autonomous technology. By taking deliberate and methodical steps, Motional is paving the way for scalable and safe commercial robotaxi deployments, bringing the future of driverless mobility closer to reality.
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