- Motional has rebooted its robotaxi plans, shifting to an AI-first approach to overcome challenges with affordability and scalability after previous setbacks and layoffs.
- The company plans to launch a fully driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas by the end of 2026, initially offering a service with a human safety operator to the public later in 2024.
- Motional's new system combines AI foundation models with smaller, developer-friendly models, enabling easier adaptation to new environments and cost optimization.

A: Did you hear about Motional? Remember, the self-driving car company?

B: No, what happened? I thought they were having a hard time!

A: Yeah, they did! They had a really rough patch. Layoffs, financial trouble… it was not good. They almost shut down!

B: Wow, seriously? What changed?

A: They had to completely rethink their strategy. They’re using AI in a totally new way now.

B: AI? So, like, ChatGPT stuff?

A: Exactly! They realized their old way of doing things wasn’t working, and this AI approach is supposed to be cheaper and better.

B: So, are they still doing robotaxis?

A: Yep! They're planning to launch a driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas by the end of 2026. First, they’ll have a ride-hailing service with a safety driver, then that driver will be removed!

B: That’s amazing! They’ve been testing it with their employees already?

A: Right! And they're working with ride-hailing partners like Lyft and Uber too. They even gave TechCrunch a look at the new system - a test drive around Vegas!

B: Cool! Are there any problems still?

A: A few. The screens inside the car aren't quite ready yet, and sometimes it takes a little while to maneuver around obstacles. But it seems they are on the right track.

B: So, robotaxis are just the beginning for them?

A: That's what the CEO said! Their big dream is to eventually put this self-driving tech in regular cars, too!