Tesla Begins Limited Robotaxi Service Testing in Austin
Tesla has initiated a closed trial of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, marking a strategic pivot toward robotics and AI. Approximately 10 Model Y SUVs equipped with Full Self-Driving software will ferry invited participants, monitored by Tesla employees in the front seat. CEO Elon Musk emphasizes safety as the cornerstone of the initiative, though industry skepticism persists over the camera-only approach.
The trial's success could accelerate Tesla's autonomous ambitions, yet regulatory and technical hurdles loom. Fog, rain, and glare remain unproven challenges for the vision-based system, fueling calls for caution from safety advocates. Meanwhile, the absence of lidar or radar continues to divide experts on the path to scalable autonomy.
