Driverless Vehicle Technology Redefines Travel For A Blind World Championship Rower

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 robotaxi has become the first autonomous car to pass the national DMV driving exam – unleashing a new lease on life for the physically and mentally impaired who long to travel.

A new film for Hyundai, a collaboration between the creative agency Jung von Matt and directed by Park Pictures’ Daniel Mercadante, centers around a visually impaired World Championship rower, Pearl Outlaw, and her mother Ruth who live in Portland, Oregon.

Pearl’s condition, called Retinitis Pigmentosa, prevents her from owning a driver’s license – limiting her ability to travel- even around her hometown.

The fascinating short film shows how Hyundai’s autonomous driving technology has transformed Pearl’s challenge into new discoveries, more autonomy and a welcome sense of freedom.

In the movie, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi undergoes a driving test in Las Vegas by an official DMV driving examiner through the Strip and suburban parts of the city. And- get this- the IONIQ5 robotaxi completes the test with a perfect score.

Hyundai’s new initiative aims to shift perceptions of autonomous driving technology, which currently suffers from a lack of trust, and to illustrate how it can benefit people’s daily lives without boundaries.

The story of Pearl underlines how Hyundai is committed to opening a new era of trust and empowerment that could transform millions of lives for people like Pearl and those with physical or mental disabilities, who might never have the chance to undergo a driving test.

After experiencing the IONIQ5 robotaxi for herself, Pearl’s journey symbolizes the potential for independence through innovation, offering a glimpse into a future where technology broadens horizons for everyone.

We caught up with Pearl on her favorite places to relax and unwind in Portland.

“At the top of my list as a favorite place in Portland is Saint Honorie pastry shop,” she says. “This is my go-to spot for lunch and morning coffee. They have incredible pastries and sandwiches that have a local reputation for being the best in the area.”

“My favorite place to shop is Portland Leather Goods. This is a local company that makes bags coats, shoes and wallets, among other artisan products. I have three items from them, and I particularly love their shoes. Everything they do is amazing quality with beautiful colors! I love going into their store because it smells like leather and suede.”

“One of the most unique places I’ve come to be very fond of is the farms on Sauvie Island. There are quite a few, but I love going there in the summer to pick blackberries, peaches and blueberries. There are also a few beaches on Sauvie Island and a number of farm-to-table restaurants, but my favorite are the farms where you can pick your own fruit.”

Watch Pearl’s journey in the new film as she experiences today’s advanced AI-based driverless vehicle technology—no longer a vision of the future.