Tesla is making serious moves in the self-driving world. The electric car automaker is currently testing its autonomous Robotaxi, also referred to as the Cybercab, on public streets in Austin, Texas without safety drivers behind the wheel.
For now, Tesla is using modified versions of the Model Y to carry out these trials. According to CEO Elon Musk, these cars are already undergoing full self-driving tests—and they’re doing it a whole month ahead of schedule. Musk also mentioned that there have been zero incidents so far, and Tesla plans to begin the first factory-to-customer deliveries of these autonomous cars next month.
Eventually, the company plans to move away from the Model Y and launch a custom-built Robotaxi—one designed without a steering wheel or pedals. This futuristic ride is part of Tesla’s broader vision for a world where cars drive themselves entirely, without needing a driver’s attention. That would involve rolling out an unsupervised version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, which is currently still labeled “supervised.”
While Tesla isn’t listed as a ride-hailing operator in Texas just yet, the state doesn’t block autonomous vehicle testing. To stay on the safe side, Tesla plans to use remote human helpers during the early rollout. The company is actively hiring “teleoperations specialists”—people who can monitor the cars and jump in remotely if a robotaxi finds itself in a tricky traffic situation.
Elon Musk recently shared more about the rollout plan in whicle the comapnay will likely start with just 10 robotaxis on the road for the first week, then gradually ramp up to 20, 30, 40, and possibly hit 1,000 within a few months. From there, the company aims to expand testing to other cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.
(Source: Paultan.org / Inside EV)
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