Tesla has been testing robotaxi service without drivers

Tesla has officially begun testing its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, but the launch has sparked significant concerns due to the absence of safety drivers during these trials.

CEO Elon Musk revealed the news, asserting that the company is “a month ahead of schedule,” with plans to roll out the paid service to customers starting June 12. However, this timeline is subject to change.

The tests involve a small fleet of 10 to 20 Tesla Model Y vehicles navigating public streets without a driver at the wheel.

Will Tesla’s Ambitious Robotaxi Rollout Lead to Chaos on the Streets?

Musk stated that these vehicles have been operated without any incidents over the last few days, raising eyebrows considering the limited testing period leading up to the commercial launch.

In stark contrast to competitors like Waymo, which conducted extensive testing with safety drivers for over six months, Tesla’s approach raises questions about its commitment to safety protocols.

Reports highlight that critical details of the planned rollout have not been communicated to local authorities, contributing to unease about the impending launch. There are suggestions that Tesla could employ “heavy teleoperation,” possibly assigning a remote operator per vehicle; however, the specifics remain unconfirmed.

Certain sources express skepticism about the feasibility of the service, fearing it could lead to an “extremely high level of teleoperation” or, worse, a chaotic rollout. Critics argue that a lack of comprehensive testing poses significant risks and could yield avoidable accidents, putting both passengers and pedestrians in jeopardy.

As the June launch date approaches, concerns mount regarding the adequacy of Tesla’s testing protocol and the overall safety of its self-driving technology. Industry observers are keen to see how Tesla navigates these challenges in the coming weeks, especially as they aim to deliver cars directly to customers using their autonomous driving technology.