While addressing road safety concerns last year, Gadkari outlined government measures to mitigate the accidents such as the incorporation of six airbags in cars, reducing black spots on roads, and increasing fines through the Electric Motors Act.
Gadkari also said that he will never allow driverless cars to come into India because it will take away the jobs of several drivers and I would not let that happen, stating that driverless vehicles are appropriate only for countries with small populations, but not for India.
The context is being set for a parallel story, well almost, brewing in the USA where a driverless Hyundai Ioniq 5 has passed the driving test and earned itself a license. In an inspiring campaign that IT geeks would love, cutting-edge capabilities of a self-drive robotaxi have been showcased where the car…err…robot, skilfully passes the test better than many.
Crafted to underscore the safety and reliability of the robotaxi's autonomous features, the campaign features captivating footage of the vehicle undergoing a series of rigorous driving tests on public roads in Las Vegas. This impressive demonstration not only highlights the exceptional performance of the IONIQ 5 but also underscores the inclusivity of its autonomous technology, promising safe and accessible mobility for everyone.
There’s a thought here, one that enables the differently-abled. The heart of the campaign revolves around Pearl Outlaw, an American woman facing visual impairment due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, a condition that bars her from obtaining a driver's license, a symbol of independence for many. Through Pearl's story, the campaign sheds light on the daily mobility challenges faced by individuals with physical impairments, emphasizing the transformative potential of autonomous driving technology in granting them newfound independence.
A seasoned DMV Certified Driving Examiner with over two decades of experience, conducted the driving test on the robotaxi. Drawing parallels with testing human drivers, Jones meticulously evaluated the vehicle's speed control, lane changes, maneuvering, stopping accuracy, left turns, lane maintenance, and reaction time to potential hazards. Impressively, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi excelled in all aspects, showcasing its ability to navigate both urban and suburban environments effortlessly.
The IONIQ 5 robotaxi stands as a testament to the convergence of revolutionary mobility technologies within a single vehicle. It embodies the result of extensive collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and autonomous driving technology developer Motional, culminating in years of development and rigorous testing of advanced automotive platforms and self-driving systems. Equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors including LiDAR, radar, and cameras, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi delivers consistent driving performance across diverse environments.
The campaign's compelling film, titled 'Hyundai Gets Its Driver's License,' is available for viewing on Hyundai Motor Company's official YouTube channel, offering viewers an immersive look into the groundbreaking capabilities of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi.
