Dubbed the PlayStation car, the Afeela EV from the partnership between Sony and Honda isn’t the only vehicle that can be driven using something similar to a DualSense or Xbox controller, as seen with the “driverless” Tesla Cybercab.
Afeela’s Debut at CES
Earlier this year at the CES expo, the CEO of the Afeela project, which merges Honda’s automotive skills with Sony’s entertainment and software expertise, showcased their first electric vehicle using a PlayStation 5 controller on stage. It was a striking moment that highlighted the innovative blend of gaming and driving.
Tesla’s Robotaxi Features
Meanwhile, while presenting the Cybercab at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Tesla team also employed a controller to navigate the Robotaxi, which Tesla promotes as the future of driverless transport. The Cybercab, designed for two passengers, is unique as it lacks both a steering wheel and pedals. However, its FSD 13 autonomous driving software struggles with small maneuvers, such as driving up a ramp or weaving around Christmas trees in the museum’s Vault exhibit to reach its intended location.
The Manual Driving Capability
This is why the individual operating the Robotaxi during its transport, maneuvering it off its trailer, up the ramp, and around the venue, seemed to be using what onlookers described as an Xbox controller linked to the vehicle’s computer. Although the connection was wired, sources indicated that the Cybercab’s controller can also connect wirelessly, allowing someone to operate it from a distance.
This opens up a variety of options, especially for the Cybercab’s ride-share service and support teams, or for first responders Tesla is currently training to handle scenarios involving the Robotaxi on public streets. Overall, the idea that the first Tesla vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals is fully autonomous might be a bit of an overstatement, as there is a means to manually drive it in case it gets stuck for any reason.
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