Tesla has launched a limited trial of its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, inviting a select group of users to test the autonomous ride-hailing experience. The pilot, which could begin as early as Sunday, involves Tesla Model Y SUVs equipped with the company’s Full Self-Driving software. Each ride will have a Tesla employee seated in the front passenger seat, and participants must be at least 18 years old.
The Robotaxi trial is a critical step in Tesla’s pivot from producing affordable electric vehicles to focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence. Elon Musk, the company’s CEO, has emphasized safety, noting that human operators will monitor the vehicles remotely. Musk has also indicated the company aims to scale the Robotaxi service quickly if the trial proves successful, though challenges such as bad weather could limit operations.
The rollout has not been without controversy. Industry experts continue to question the safety of Tesla’s camera-and-AI-based system, which lacks backup sensors like lidar and radar. Concerns have been raised about its performance in adverse weather conditions, and Tesla, like competitors Waymo and Zoox, has faced federal scrutiny following previous collisions involving autonomous technology.
Meanwhile, some local lawmakers in Austin have urged Tesla to delay the launch until a new state law regulating autonomous vehicles comes into effect in September. Despite these calls, users who received invitations are being encouraged to download Tesla’s Robotaxi app and provide feedback on their experience. While Tesla has not officially confirmed the details, the tech industry is closely watching the trial’s outcome.