Making robotaxis available for all has been the goal of many operating companies now, with Cruise taking it up a notch with the introduction of its new autonomous vehicle called the "Origin Mobility." It is a self-driving car that mainly centers on fully accessible features for wheelchairs and people with disabilities, with everything that a person needs all available without the need for drivers to assist.
Most cars in the market do not offer an accessible experience, with Cruise's case study claiming that some rideshare drivers not picking up passengers with wheelchairs despite booking them.
Cruise to Bring a Wheelchair-Accessible Robotaxi by 2024
(Photo : Cruise)
Cruise said "Transportation is a Human Right," and with this, the company unveiled its latest addition to the fleet, a service that would cater to those with needs, especially for those that require wheelchair use.
Earlier today, Cruise introduced the world to Origin Mobility, its designated self-driving vehicle that brings accessibility for those in need, offering massive sliding doors and a wheelchair ramp to accommodate them on rides.
The wheelchair-accessible Origin Mobility will soon be available by 2024, with the people who need it given the chance to hail a ride from Cruise with the specially designed car.
"We're committed to solving the transportation challenges with the most meaningful impact - breaking down systemic barriers to transportation and shaping a future where more people have access to safe, reliable rides," said Cruise.
Cruise's Origin Mobility: Autonomous Driving Accessibility
With the release of Origin Mobility, Cruise also established the Cruise Accessibility Council, a coalition of cross-disability groups to help provide insights and feedback regarding the service for the company's future developments.
(Photo : Cruise)
Cruise's dedication to offering a more accessible transportation feature is set to bring more experiences soon, with the pilot of its Origin Mobility helping pave the way for a barrier-free, autonomous robotaxi ride.
Self-Driving Robotaxis in the US
Two major companies in the US are leading the charge for clean-energy robotaxi operations, with General Motors' Cruise and Alphabet's Waymo reigning over the service in the country. One of the most significant developments now is San Francisco's sweeping declaration for Cruise and Waymo to operate nonstop, 24/7 rides in the city, offering it any time of the day.
San Francisco may be the first city where robotaxi operations started, but each company has centered on bringing it to other populous locations in the US to pilot test its experience and soon establish its service there. Miami was the latest location for Cruise, with the company moving it to the Far East as part of its expansion to bring more of the experience.
Robotaxi has been offered in traditional and standard cars, one where users have to sit in the vehicle's designated seats, but so far, Cruise is the first to debut a wheelchair-accessible self-driving automobile. Commuting is indeed far cheaper compared to ordering a customized vehicle to accommodate those with needs, with Cruise delivering this in an autonomous experience without the hassle and issue.
Related Article: Cruise Robotaxis May Soon Hit the Streets of Seattle and Washington, DC
