Tesla has recently begun testing its Robotaxis on freeways in Austin as part of its autonomous driving program. This marks a significant milestone for the company, showcasing its progress in developing self-driving technology.
According to reports from writer and podcaster @gailalfaratx, who covers Tesla’s Robotaxis and Full Self-Driving system, she recently took a ride in a Robotaxi in Austin that merged onto the freeway with a safety driver present. This setup closely resembles the Robotaxi operations in the Bay Area, where a safety monitor sits in the driver’s seat ready to intervene if necessary.
In Austin, however, cars in testing have been spotted with Robotaxi branding, no driver behind the wheel, and a safety monitor in the passenger seat. This indicates a more advanced stage of testing and development for Tesla’s autonomous vehicles in the Austin area.
Tesla has been steadily expanding its Robotaxi service area in Austin, growing from 91 to 173 square miles and adding 50% more cars to the pilot fleet. The company initially launched its autonomous Robotaxi program in Austin back in June, gradually increasing coverage and conducting trials in surrounding regions.
CEO Elon Musk has previously mentioned plans to open the driverless Robotaxi service in Austin to the general public sometime this month. The recent freeway testing is a clear indication of Tesla’s progress towards scaling up the pilot program and eventually offering autonomous rides to the public.
Beyond Austin and the Bay Area, Tesla is also gearing up to launch Robotaxi programs in other U.S. cities, including Chicago, as indicated by recent job listings. This expansion highlights Tesla’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology and bringing self-driving vehicles to urban environments across the country.
Overall, Tesla’s recent testing of Robotaxis on freeways in Austin signifies a significant step forward in the development of autonomous driving technology. With plans to expand the service to more cities and eventually offer driverless rides to the public, Tesla is at the forefront of innovation in the self-driving vehicle industry. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases has left many people feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. With new variants of the virus spreading rapidly, it is more important than ever to take precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
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