Tesla has reached a significant milestone by launching fully unsupervised Robotaxi rides to the general public in Austin, Texas. This move marks a major step forward in the company’s promise to deliver autonomous driving experiences using only cameras and AI technology.
Former Tesla AI engineer @Tsla99T was among the first public riders to experience the unsupervised Robotaxi service, sharing the groundbreaking moment on social media. This development comes after Tesla’s internal testing group conducted unsupervised rides in Austin, paving the way for today’s public launch.
Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s AI chief, confirmed the rollout of unsupervised Robotaxi rides in Austin, emphasizing that safety monitors have been removed from the vehicles. Initially, only a few Model Ys equipped with Full Self-Driving Unsupervised are available to the public, with plans to expand the fleet as confidence in the technology grows.
The transition to unsupervised Robotaxi rides follows Elon Musk’s vision to eliminate even safety monitors from Tesla’s autonomous service. This bold move solidifies Tesla’s position as a leader in autonomous driving technology, setting a new standard for the industry.
Early reports from riders indicate that the vehicles remain in autonomous mode during the rides. Attempts to take control by tugging on the steering wheel trigger warnings on the screen, with continued interference prompting the vehicle to safely pull over.
It’s important to note that the Robotaxi fleet is equipped with more advanced Full Self-Driving builds than what is currently available to consumers. While current-gen Teslas may not require hardware upgrades to access unsupervised FSD in the future, the public version of FSD remains supervised for now.
Austin serves as the epicenter for Tesla’s groundbreaking initiative, making it the first company to offer fully autonomous rides to the public without safety monitors, using only cameras for navigation. This innovative approach sets Tesla apart in the autonomous driving space, showcasing the potential of AI-driven transportation.
In conclusion, Tesla’s launch of unsupervised Robotaxi rides in Austin represents a significant leap towards a future where autonomous vehicles redefine the way we travel. By pushing the boundaries of technology and safety, Tesla continues to lead the charge in revolutionizing the automotive industry.