Motional: Pioneering Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Overview:

Motional is an autonomous vehicle (AV) company established in 2020 as a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Motional focuses on developing SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles designed for driverless ride-hail and delivery services. ​

Key Developments:

IONIQ 5 Robotaxi: Motional introduced the all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxi, an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle capable of safe operation without a driver. This vehicle is equipped with over 30 sensors, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR, providing 360-degree perception and ultra-long-range detection. ​

Strategic Partnerships: The company has formed industry-leading partnerships with major ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Lyft to deploy its autonomous vehicles on their networks. ​

Safety Commitment: Safety is a core priority for Motional. Their vehicles are designed to be vigilant and focused, aiming to safely transport passengers from point A to point B without the risks associated with human error. ​

Recent Initiatives:

Transition to Machine Learning: Motional is transitioning from traditional rule-based planning systems to an end-to-end machine learning-powered motion planning system. This evolution aims to enhance the adaptability and learning capabilities of their autonomous vehicles. ​

Highway Speed Testing: The company has commenced highway speed testing with its all-electric IONIQ 5 robotaxis at Hyundai’s Proving Grounds, marking a significant step toward broader deployment. ​

Career Opportunities:

Motional is powered by a diverse team of experts in engineering, robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The company offers career opportunities for individuals passionate about transforming transportation through autonomous technology.