Tesla Launches Cybercab Robotaxi in Austin Without Steering Wheel or Pedals
Tesla says the small two-seater will help it scale a lower-cost robotaxi network, after testing logged a few dozen incidents in Austin.
- On Thursday, Tesla will launch the Cybercab in Austin, Texas—a small, gold, two-seater sedan with no steering wheel or pedals that uses cameras and AI to navigate independently.
- In April 2024, CEO Elon Musk approved massive layoffs to go 'balls to the wall for autonomy,' which he called a 'blindingly obvious move.' This continues a decade-long push to make Tesla vehicles fully autonomous.
- While Waymo operates 4,000 robotaxis, Tesla currently runs a small, geofenced pilot using Model Y SUVs in Austin. Musk once said: 'If you need a geofenced area, you don't have real self-driving,' though the company has reported only minor incidents.
- Designed for lower production costs, the Cybercab is lighter with a smaller battery pack than other Tesla models. However, the company faces scaling challenges as paid miles on its existing robotaxi network declined over the past year.
- Success could prove Tesla has transitioned into a robotics firm; failure might reveal it remains just an automaker. There is a trope Musk favors for this moment: the fork in the road.
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Elon Musk and Tesla are still significantly behind the market leaders in autonomous driving. With the Cybercab, the company wants to open up to Waymo. However, several problems arise.
Saudi Gazette
AlKhaleej TodayElon Musk rolls out Tesla's steering-wheel-free robotaxis
NEW YORK — US billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent dozens of self-driving Cybercabs without steering wheels or brake pedals onto the streets of Austin, Texas, on Thursday, with the US auto safety agency saying it was evaluating the effort.Tesla said it was offering rides in limited areas of Austin, Texas, in its two-seater Cybercab, which Musk has said is key to transforming the electric-vehicle maker into a dominant force in driverless veh…
Users now have the option to choose the new vehicle in the Tesla robotaxis app.
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