Tesla Inc. is preparing to introduce its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with a carefully measured approach that prioritizes safety and technological reliability. The initial launch will feature approximately 10 autonomous vehicles in June 2025, with plans to expand to 1,000 vehicles within several months.
The service will operate on an invite-only basis and utilize teleoperators to provide real-time assistance when the autonomous system encounters challenges. CEO Elon Musk emphasized that the robotaxis will be geofenced, restricting operation to pre-approved safe areas and avoiding complex intersections unless the system demonstrates high confidence in navigation.
This measured launch comes in response to recent concerns about autonomous vehicle performance. A previous Business Insider report highlighted potential safety issues with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software, which reportedly ran a red light during testing in San Francisco. Musk countered these concerns by distinguishing the upcoming robotaxi service as FSD Unsupervised, suggesting a more advanced and reliable autonomous system.
The robotaxi initiative represents a significant milestone in Tesla's autonomous vehicle strategy, potentially reshaping urban transportation by offering a safer, more controlled approach to self-driving technology. By implementing strict geographical and operational limitations, Tesla aims to build public trust and demonstrate the practical viability of autonomous vehicle services.
