Elon Musk’s Tesla Robotaxi Hits Texas Streets, With Launch Of Pilot Autonomous Cab Service In Select Areas
Elon Musk’s eagerly anticipated Robotaxi service has finally debuted in Austin, Texas, following years of postponements and repeated assurances. The premiere had a huge rollout because the first rides were only available to digital producers and social media influencers in order to maximize coverage. With a small fleet of Model Y cars, the service is presently in pilot mode. It is only accessible to invited users and is restricted to a geofenced area.
Although each car currently has a Tesla safety monitor in the passenger seat, Musk hopes to someday scale up to a million driverless cars on the road. Alphabet’s Waymo has been operating self-driving taxis since 2018, thus even though Tesla is generating headlines with this launch, it is not the first company to enter the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Read Also: Suzuki Jimny’s 55 Limited Anniversary Models For France , Priced Around Rs 34 Lakh
Unsurprisingly, Musk took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Congratulations to the @Tesla_AI software & chip design teams on a successful @Robotaxi launch! culmination of ten years of arduous labor. The software and AI chip teams at Tesla were both created from the ground up. Musk has revealed the $4.20 flat ride charge, which is wonderful news for anyone eager to experience their first Robotaxi journey.
Based on the Model Y, a Robotaxi is a driverless taxi service that makes use of Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance software. Tesla’s technology differs from Waymo’s in that it makes use of cameras rather than radar sensors. The company’s choice is contentious because there have been numerous crash reports, some of which have been fatal. There has never been anything like this with Waymo. Federal officials have some reservations about Tesla’s camera system, particularly when it’s foggy.
Read Also: Volkswagen Tera Achieves 5-Star Latin NCAP Safety Rating, Eyes India’s Sub-4m SUV Segment
Only 10 to 20 cars are currently used by the Robotaxi service within specified zones. It is not yet accessible to the general public and is still invite-only. The service avoids roads, airports, and bad weather while operating in a few areas of Austin from 6 AM to midnight.
Using the Robotaxi app and the car’s touchscreen, you can personalize your ride by changing the heat controls, seat locations, and audio streaming. You can track your progress and ask for assistance if necessary during your journey. Additionally, you can always request that the car stop or pull over for your comfort and safety.
