Ioniq 5 robotaxis take on the Las Vegas strip

Uber is a name that's hardly heard of nowadays here in Singapore, but it's still making moves across the Pacific.

The firm, together with autonomous vehicle technology firm Motional, have now announced that Uber riders in Las Vegas can now order an Ioniq 5 robotaxi, adding to the thrill that comes with visiting the renown strip.

Visitors to the Las Vegas strip now might be picked up by the Ioniq 5 robotaxi if they order a ride via the Uber app

Uber states that the service is now available at designated locations along Las Vegas Boulevard inclusive of some of its most celebrated hotels, although there are plans to expand this operating area in the near future.

The Motional Ioniq 5 robotaxi is said to be custom-designed to conduct reliable and durable driverless operations and to offer ride-hailing services. It is additionally one of the first SAE Level Four-capable autonomous vehicles certified under the U.S.A's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

The Motional robotaxis will continue to operate with a vehicle operator monitoring the road ahead from behind the steering wheel, although a fully driverless service - with no human operator in the vehicle - is expected to begin by the end of this year.