Inside the Luxury Robotaxi Uber, Lucid and Nuro Are Testing
The Lucid Gravity robotaxi is slated to launch later this year. I got an early ride in an engineering prototype.
Uber, Lucid Motors, and autonomous vehicle firm Nuro collaborated to unveil the Lucid Gravity robotaxi, positioned as the "industry's most luxurious robotaxi." The three-way partnership was announced last year. I had a chance to preview the vehicle at CES in January, though it was displayed within a conference hall. Recently, Nuro invited me to visit its Mountain View, California, headquarters for a ride in an engineering prototype of the robotaxi, accompanied by a safety driver. This is because the companies plan to launch the service publicly later in the year.
Nuro is currently testing the robotaxi on public roads with safety operators behind the wheel in the San Francisco Bay Area and Houston. They also employ closed-course testing and simulations to refine their self-driving technology before its public rollout. Lucid manufactures the robotaxis at its factory in Arizona.
Upon hailing the autonomous ride through the Uber app, riders will be able to request a trip in the Lucid Gravity robotaxi. As per Nuro COO Andrew Chapin, "The partnership lets each company focus on its strengths. Uber provides the marketplace logistics, demand, and the overall in-app experience. We offer a safe AI driver, and Lucid brings an exceptional vehicle."
The Lucid Gravity AV distinguishes itself from other autonomous vehicles like Waymo and Zoox, which have just received federal regulatory approval to charge for rides in their steering-wheel-less vehicles. One unique aspect of the Lucid Gravity is its capacity to accommodate up to six passengers, surpassing the four-passenger limit set by Waymo and Zoox.
Inside the Lucid Gravity robotaxi, there's a subtle yet sophisticated sensor suite comprising cameras, lidar, and radar. Leg room is ample for both front and rear passengers. The color scheme may change in the final model, but I found the contrast between the tan seats and black surroundings appealing. The panoramic roof adds a touch of luxury to the ride.
The interior layout is spacious, offering comfort for riders. Temperature controls allow passengers to adjust the cabin's air. Interestingly, the safety operator keeps their hands hovering near the steering wheel, prepared to take control if necessary. During our nearly 20-minute ride, they maintained this position throughout.
Some variants of the Lucid Gravity robotaxi will seat up to six passengers, while others will hold up to four. Both versions include space for luggage, making the vehicle suitable for trips to or from the airport without concerns about where to stow belongings. The Lucid Gravity AV's sensor suite sits atop the vehicle, providing a clear view of the surrounding environment.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
