Tag: Robotaxi

  • Tesla Robotaxi Launches in September with Texas Rideshare License

    Tesla Robotaxi Launches in September with Texas Rideshare License

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi service will be available to the public in Texas starting in September.
    2. The company created Tesla Robotaxi LLC to operate as a transportation network company (TNC) and obtained a rideshare license.
    3. The new service will comply with upcoming regulations that require autonomous rideshare companies to meet standards of traditional taxi services.
    4. The Robotaxi service has shown significant improvements since its beta launch, using an advanced version of Full-Self Driving (FSD).
    5. Enhanced features include smarter pickup options and dynamic pricing for rides.


    Members of the public in Texas will soon be able to order Tesla’s Robotaxi starting in September as the service keeps on growing. The automaker has tackled one of the key challenges by obtaining a rideshare license.

    Open Access Coming Soon

    Tesla first rolled out the autonomous taxi service as a beta that required an invitation, allowing users to get the app from the App Store for ride requests. But, CEO Elon Musk shared in a message on X that starting next month, Robotaxi will be available to everyone. He was replying to another post that questioned why Tesla still limited the service, especially since many videos showed the launch was successful.

    New Business Entity Formed

    To facilitate this new venture, Tesla has created a separate company, Tesla Robotaxi LLC, which is recognized as a transportation network company (TNC). This new branch has received a rideshare operator license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, putting Tesla on the same level as companies like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo.

    Compliance with New Regulations

    To stay compliant with new regulations that will be enforced starting in September, Tesla needed this license. The upcoming rules require autonomous rideshare companies to fulfill the same standards as conventional taxi services.

    Since its debut in July, the Robotaxi service has shown notable enhancements. Musk mentioned that the self-driving platform employs a more advanced version of Full-Self Driving (FSD) compared to the standard Teslas currently in use. The company has also rolled out smarter pickup options and dynamic pricing.

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  • Tesla Introduces Dynamic Robotaxi Fare Pricing in Austin

    Tesla Introduces Dynamic Robotaxi Fare Pricing in Austin

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi service started with a flat fee of $4.20 but increased to $6.90 after expanding the service area.
    2. The latest app update (version 25.7.10) introduced dynamic pricing based on travel distance.
    3. Fares can start as low as $2.10 for short trips and go up to $12.04 for longer distances (3 to 9 miles).
    4. Dynamic pricing aligns Tesla’s service with traditional taxis and ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft.
    5. Tesla plans to expand Robotaxi services to California’s Bay Area and Arizona, with safety drivers required in California initially.


    Tesla started their Robotaxi service back in June, offering a flat fee of $4.20 for each ride. However, after expanding the service area, this price rose to $6.90. With a recent update to the app, riders can now pay according to how far they travel.

    New Pricing Updates

    The latest version of the Robotaxi app, version 25.7.10, introduces dynamic pricing. This change comes after Tesla widened the geofenced area to include downtown Austin, the University of Texas, and additional neighborhoods. Along with this, Tesla made some smaller fixes and enhancements.

    Pricing Breakdown

    As per a chart shared by X user @Tslachan, users can now find rides for as little as $2.10 for a distance of approximately 0.9 miles. For trips ranging from 3 to 9 miles, fares can go up to $12.04.

    Competing with Traditional Services

    The introduction of dynamic pricing aligns Tesla’s Robotaxi service more closely with traditional taxis and ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft. This will also encourage users who have shorter trips to experience the service.

    Aside from this, Tesla has also made a few other updates to the Robotaxi app since its launch. Users can now modify their destinations post-booking, and the app provides directions from the user’s current location to their pickup spot.

    Looking ahead, Tesla plans to roll out Robotaxi services in the Bay Area of California and Arizona. However, in California, they will need to have safety drivers present behind the wheel, at least during the initial phase.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi Service Expanding to California and Florida Soon

    Tesla Robotaxi Service Expanding to California and Florida Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla plans to launch robotaxis in California by September, with potential expansion to states like Florida, Arizona, and Nevada.
    2. The goal is to reach 50% of the US population with the ride-sharing service by the end of 2025, aiming for significant financial impact by the end of 2026.
    3. Insights from the current robotaxi pilot in Austin will help rapidly scale the network once regulatory approvals are obtained.
    4. Tesla’s robotaxi service is expected to have a competitive cost per mile, starting at around $0.50 for existing models and potentially dropping to $0.30 with the introduction of the Cybercab in 2026.
    5. The Nevada DMV has confirmed discussions with Tesla regarding the robotaxi launch, indicating no major obstacles to expansion once documentation is submitted.


    Tesla is set to launch its robotaxis in California after the summer and is also discussing opportunities with other states that have more lenient laws on self-driving vehicles, like Florida, Arizona, and Nevada.

    Expansion Plans

    Elon Musk has indicated that the rapid rollout of the ride-share platform is expected to begin in just a few weeks, with robotaxis anticipated to be operational in the Bay Area by September. The target for Tesla’s ride-sharing service is to reach 50% of the US population by the end of 2025, with hopes that robotaxi rides will significantly affect its financial performance by the end of 2026. Musk mentioned, “I think the actual cost per mile of Cybercab will be very low. The cost per mile of our existing fleet will be higher, but still competetive. So maybe something over $0.50… This suggests that robotaxi operations will grow from small to massive in a relatively short timeframe. I believe it will have a significant impact on our finances around the end of next year.”

    Learning from Experience

    During the recent quarterly earnings call, Tesla representatives noted that insights gained from the current robotaxi pilot in Austin, which is not limited by a specific service area, can be utilized anywhere. This flexibility will enable rapid scaling of the Robotaxi network from a technical perspective, once state authorities provide the necessary approvals. The service area in Austin is set to expand tenfold this summer, surpassing the efforts of competitors like Waymo. Tesla’s vision-only approach facilitates quicker validation and scaling.

    Future Revenue Streams

    The Nevada DMV has confirmed that discussions with Tesla regarding the robotaxi launch have taken place and that there are no obstacles once required documentation is submitted. Regarding when the swift expansion of robotaxis will start generating revenue for Tesla, Musk stated that the current service using factory Model Y units incurs costs of about fifty cents per mile, which remains very competitive.

    When the Cybercab, a two-seater designed specifically as a robotaxi, joins the fleet in 2026, its estimated cost per mile of around thirty cents will lower overall service costs. This reduction will help Tesla finance quicker expansion through loans rather than relying solely on its own funds.

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  • Tesla Vehicles Get Robotaxi FSD Upgrade for Major Autonomy Boost

    Tesla Vehicles Get Robotaxi FSD Upgrade for Major Autonomy Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi platform expansion will be closely evaluated ahead of the earnings announcement on July 23, with a focus on the upcoming significant Full Self-Driving (FSD) release.

    2. The Model Y robotaxis in Austin use unique FSD software that differs from the version available to regular Tesla owners, with plans for careful integration in the future.

    3. The “unsupervised” FSD used by the robotaxis operates without driver input and is classified as Level 4 autonomous vehicle software by the Austin transportation department.

    4. Tesla employs geofencing for its Robotaxi operations to ensure regulatory compliance and safe navigation, while conducting extensive testing before merging the robotaxi software with the public FSD version.

    5. Tesla emphasizes the advantages of its camera-only FSD system over competitors and plans to enhance the robotaxi software with a fourfold increase in parameters, focusing on efficient memory use for improved algorithm processing.


    Ahead of Tesla’s earnings announcement on July 23, the expansion of its Robotaxi platform is set to be closely examined. Elon Musk has promised a “step change improvement” for the next significant Full Self-Driving (FSD) release, drawing from experiences gained through operating the driverless ride-sharing service.

    Unique Software for Robotaxis

    Tesla has modified a small fleet of Model Y vehicles to operate as robotaxis in Austin. While these units are equipped with factory hardware, their FSD software differs from what is available to regular Tesla owners. Musk stated that Tesla plans to integrate the separate FSD software used by the robotaxis with the commercial version currently employed in its other vehicles, but this will be done cautiously.

    Unsupervised FSD Explained

    Tesla has labeled the FSD branch utilized by its robotaxi fleet during the pilot phase in Austin as “unsupervised” FSD. This is distinct from the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) designation given to the paid driver assistance feature. The term “unsupervised” indicates that it does not require any driver input or attention. The transportation department in Austin has classified this system as Level 4 autonomous vehicle software, meaning it can operate without human intervention.

    Regulatory Challenges and Testing

    To achieve the necessary regulatory approvals, Tesla operates its Model Y robotaxi quite differently from the FSD versions accessible to the general public. For instance, Tesla has geofenced the operational area for its Robotaxi platform, similar to Waymo, to verify that the “unsupervised” vehicles navigate routes in the same manner as its other cars. This explains the variety of Tesla validation vehicles equipped with additional camera setups seen driving around Austin before the launch of the Robotaxi service.

    Before merging the robotaxi FSD with the version available to the public, Tesla aims to conduct more tests to ensure a seamless transition. Musk emphasized, “We need to validate that improvements for Austin don’t cause regressions elsewhere.”

    Safety Measures and Future Plans

    Tesla takes pride in the advantages of its camera-only FSD system compared to the geofenced methods and extra sensors, like LiDAR, used by competitors such as Waymo. However, in Austin, Tesla continues to employ geofencing for enhanced safety and regulatory compliance. The company wants to ensure that the performance of its robotaxis within this controlled environment aligns with the behavior of Tesla vehicles outside of mapped areas.

    The merging of the robotaxi software with the general FSD version is set to take place later this year. Musk hinted at a fourfold increase in parameters and emphasized a “super frugal use of memory bandwidth, caching exactly what is needed” to facilitate the processing of additional algorithms.

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  • Tesla Model Y Robotaxi Ride Prices Expand Beyond Waymo Areas

    Tesla Model Y Robotaxi Ride Prices Expand Beyond Waymo Areas

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has expanded its robotaxi service area beyond Waymo’s in Austin and raised ride fares by 65%, from $4.20 to $6.9.
    2. The new fare is a fixed price for rides, aimed at testing the Robotaxi app and payment system rather than generating profit.
    3. Tesla’s robotaxi service currently covers about 7% of Waymo’s area, with plans for further expansion to cities like San Francisco.
    4. Future two-seater Cybercabs may lower the cost per mile to around 25 cents, making the service more competitive.
    5. Cybercabs will use wireless charging and automatic cleaning, indicating advanced features for the Robotaxi platform in the future.


    The Tesla Robotaxi ride-share service has now expanded its reach beyond Waymo’s area in Austin, where it is currently running a pilot program.

    Price Increase

    In just three weeks since launching, Tesla has significantly increased the size of the geofenced robotaxi service area and, in a rather cheeky move, has also raised the ride fare. The cost of a robotaxi ride has jumped by an eye-catching 65%, soaring from $4.20 to the new price of $6.9.

    Elon Musk often includes the number 420 as a fun Easter egg, and with Tesla fans urging him to play with the number 69 ahead of the Robotaxi launch, this new fare might just be a playful joke—similar to the shape of the expanded service area on the map.

    Testing the Waters

    This $6.9 charge is a fixed price, no matter how many miles are traveled. The purpose of this pricing is not to recover operational costs or generate profit for Tesla, but mainly to test the Robotaxi app and its payment system.

    Currently, the Tesla Robotaxi platform covers about 7% of Waymo’s overall service area in the US, with plans to expand to San Francisco and other cities by year-end. This growth will necessitate Tesla to establish more realistic pricing soon, allowing for a fair comparison of its Robotaxi service with other ride-share options in the market.

    Future Prospects

    Elon Musk has stated that when the two-seater Cybercabs begin robotaxi service next year and are produced in larger quantities, the cost per mile could potentially drop to as low as 25 cents, making them highly competitive.

    However, the Cybercab won’t be able to utilize Superchargers or a Tesla wall connector; instead, they will be charged wirelessly on special pads and cleaned automatically by robots. This hints at exciting developments ahead for the Robotaxi platform, extending beyond its current trial in Austin.

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  • Model Y Introduces Wipers Routine for Robotaxi and First Responders

    Model Y Introduces Wipers Routine for Robotaxi and First Responders

    Key Takeaways

    1. The cabin microphones in Tesla robotaxis are always on to detect emergency vehicle sirens, enhancing safety.
    2. Sound detection allows robotaxis to respond to their environment, such as pulling over for approaching emergency vehicles.
    3. The system handles sound detection locally and does not store or send data to Tesla without user consent.
    4. A demonstration showed a Model Y robotaxi effectively responding to ambulance sirens before passengers noticed.
    5. Tesla has introduced a new windshield wiper routine for robotaxis to ensure the FSD cameras have a clear view, enhancing safety during operation.


    The cabin camera in a Tesla robotaxi might only activate when support is contacted, yet the microphones are always on.

    Why the Microphones Are Active

    A recent video featuring a driverless Model Y stopping for an ambulance illustrates this point. During the information session before launching its Robotaxi service in Austin, TX, Tesla explained the necessity of keeping these cabin microphones operational. They are meant to pick up sirens from emergency vehicles, enabling the “unsupervised” Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to react appropriately and pull over.

    According to Tesla, sound detection lets the Robotaxi automatically recognize and respond to its surrounding environment, like stopping for nearby sirens and yielding to approaching emergency vehicles. When a safety occurrence is identified, the media volume inside the car decreases, and a notification appears on the center screen for the rider. This sound detection for safety events is handled locally within the vehicle and isn’t linked to your Tesla account. This means the system can’t store or send this data to Tesla, even during a critical safety incident, unless you opt to allow it.

    Demonstration of the Feature

    A cool example from a nighttime Tesla robotaxi ride demonstrates that this feature functions properly. The Model Y picked up on ambulance sirens before the passengers noticed and moved to the side of the road to let the emergency vehicle through, continuing on to its destination afterward.

    Tesla has created additional FSD features for when its vehicles, like the driverless Model Y currently operating in Austin, are in robotaxi mode. For instance, a new cleaning routine for the Model Y’s windshield wipers has been introduced, which makes three passes over the area directly in front of the FSD camera.

    Enhanced Cleaning for Safety

    The intent is to clear any dust or pollen that might build up and block the camera’s view, even if the windshield appears clean to the passengers, according to Tesla’s Yun-Ta Tsai. He noted that the cleaning is designed for the camera’s perspective, not the passenger’s. While the windshield may seem clear from the passenger side, dust can accumulate over time. Thus, the system proactively cleans periodically. Typically, people don’t notice how Waymo maintains their vehicles since their sensor suite is mounted on the roof, but they clean frequently because even light dust can cause unwanted diffraction patterns for LiDAR systems.

    Even though Tesla’s robotaxi mode doesn’t rely on a complicated sensor setup with LiDAR to operate, the FSD cameras still require more frequent cleaning as a safety measure. Tesla hasn’t indicated whether this new windshield wiper routine will be available to regular owners who utilize FSD and could also benefit from this proactive cleaning.

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  • Tesla Launches $4.20 Robotaxi Rides with Driverless Model Y

    Tesla Launches $4.20 Robotaxi Rides with Driverless Model Y

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has launched its Robotaxi service with driverless rides in Austin using Model Y vehicles, with plans to expand to other cities.
    2. The Robotaxi service aims to be more affordable than competitors like Uber and Waymo, with projected costs of $0.20 per mile and fares starting at $0.30/mile.
    3. Currently, only a small fleet of Model Y cars are operational in Austin, and rides are initially available by invitation only through a special Robotaxi app.
    4. During the introductory phase, Tesla is charging a flat rate of $4.20 per ride within a set area, reflecting Elon Musk’s preference for the number 420.
    5. Local lawmakers in Austin are considering licensing procedures for autonomous vehicles, while Tesla has prepared for compliance and has trained first responders on handling Robotaxi situations.


    Tesla has officially rolled out its Robotaxi service, starting with driverless rides in a fleet of Model Y vehicles in Austin. They have also set up a specific Robotaxi X account and a signup page for the future expansion to other cities.

    Pricing and Competition

    The Tesla Robotaxi service aims to be more affordable than its main competitors, Uber and Waymo. Rides can be booked through a special Robotaxi app, which is currently available only on iOS.

    At the unveiling of the two-seater Cybercab, Elon Musk projected that operating costs could fall to around $0.20 per mile, with ride fares beginning at just $0.30/mile once fully implemented.

    Current Availability

    Although these prices are much lower than those of Uber, Lyft, or Waymo, they pertain specifically to Cybercab rides “at scale.” Tesla is still in the early stages of its Robotaxi rollout, with only about a dozen driverless Model Y cars operating in Austin.

    Starting June 22, rides during the initial Early Access phase will be available by invitation only. The app isn’t accessible to the general public who might want to try out the driverless Model Y.

    Special Rates and Local Regulations

    For this introductory period, Tesla plans to charge a flat rate of $4.20 per ride within a designated area, no matter the distance traveled. This price seems to be a playful nod to Elon Musk’s affinity for the number 420. However, the true competitiveness of the Robotaxi service remains uncertain as it expands.

    Austin has welcomed a total of six autonomous vehicle services so far, making Tesla’s Robotaxi platform the latest addition. The choice of Texas was strategic, as the state does not have a special permitting process for self-driving vehicles, provided they are registered and insured.

    Legislative Changes in Austin

    Now, a few local lawmakers have suggested implementing a licensing procedure that requires manufacturers to meet certain compliance standards, such as ensuring communication with law enforcement and first responders in case of an emergency. Tesla proceeded with the Robotaxi launch in Austin after being assured they could meet any new requirements included in the bill before the September 1 deadline.

    Tesla has already conducted training sessions with Austin’s first responders on how to handle situations involving Robotaxis. Additionally, the city’s Public Works committee has indicated their support for the service, noting a remarkably low crash incident rate of less than 7% for fully autonomous vehicle operations in the area.

    Pilot Launch Details

    The pilot launch of the Robotaxi in Austin has been meticulously organized, involving a select group of automotive influencers as passengers, a safety monitor from Tesla seated in the front, and operating within a geofenced area that has been thoroughly mapped ahead of time.

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  • Tesla Launches Model Y Robotaxi Rides on Exclusive App

    Tesla Launches Model Y Robotaxi Rides on Exclusive App

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi platform will have a specialized hailing app showing all ride charges in US dollars, including airport fees and cleaning costs.
    2. The launch event for the Robotaxi service is scheduled for June 22 in Austin, with media and influencers invited.
    3. Early Access testing is currently invite-only, with Model Y robotaxis operating from 6 AM to midnight and no airport trips allowed initially.
    4. Safety features include a “Tesla Safety Monitor” and the ability to suspend service during bad weather, along with privacy measures for cabin cameras and microphones.
    5. The Robotaxi service is being rolled out as an invitation-only experience, with selected users able to download the app on iOS and Android.


    Tesla’s Robotaxi ride-share platform is set to feature a specialized hailing app that will detail all charges in US dollars, including fees for airports and possible vehicle cleaning.

    Launch Event in Austin

    Tesla has begun reaching out to various media figures and influencers in the automotive field, inviting them to the grand unveiling of the Robotaxi platform in Austin on Sunday, June 22.

    Early Access Testing

    Currently, the Early Access testing phase is exclusive to invitees. The Model Y robotaxis will operate in a specific area from 6 AM to midnight. Initially, those invited won’t be able to use the service to go to the airport, even though Tesla states that “charges for rides are clearly shown in the Robotaxi app in U.S. dollars, and may include applicable tolls, airport fees, regulatory charges, and similar costs in connection with the ride.”

    Safety and Privacy Features

    Tesla seems to be taking thorough measures to ensure the safety and privacy of its newly launched Robotaxi ride-share service. For instance, it will include a “Tesla Safety Monitor,” which is an employee equipped with a brake pedal and emergency stop buttons, similar to those seen in the leaked Model Y robotaxi interface.

    The electric vehicle manufacturer also has the ability to suspend the Robotaxi service during bad weather. They assure users that the cabin camera will be disabled throughout the ride, unless passengers request help from the platform’s service center. However, the cabin microphones will remain active to detect sirens when the Model Y needs to yield to emergency vehicles. Still, these microphones won’t send any sound to Tesla unless the user engages with support or calls 911.

    Invitation-Only Experience

    These measures for safety and privacy could be why Tesla is rolling out the Robotaxi service as an invite-only experience, similar to the automotive influencers who participated in the Cybertruck launch events. Tesla welcomes their feedback at all times and clarifies that, for now, they are the only ones able to download the Robotaxi app on both iOS and Android platforms.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi Interface Leaks on Model Y as Texas Demands Delay

    Tesla Robotaxi Interface Leaks on Model Y as Texas Demands Delay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Texas lawmakers are urging Tesla to delay the launch of its driverless Robotaxi service until new regulations take effect on September 1.
    2. Texas has relaxed rules for autonomous vehicles, requiring only standard registration and insurance, unlike stricter regulations in California.
    3. Tesla’s Model Y vehicles for the Robotaxi service already meet many legislative requirements, but some aspects still need validation before the launch.
    4. The Robotaxi service will focus on geofenced urban areas, with human operators on standby for safety, similar to Waymo’s approach.
    5. A developer interface for the Robotaxi service has been spotted, featuring safety buttons, though it’s unclear if they will be included in the final design.


    As Tesla is preparing to kick off its first rides with the driverless Robotaxi service in Austin on June 22, a group of lawmakers from Texas have penned a letter urging the company to delay the launch.

    Texas Regulations Favor Tesla

    Tesla chose Austin for its relaxed rules concerning autonomous vehicles, unlike stricter regulations in places like California. In Texas, the laws for autonomous cars are similar to those for regular vehicles, requiring only standard registration and insurance.

    However, the lawmakers are introducing new legislation regarding autonomous vehicles that will take effect on September 1. They are requesting that Tesla hold off on the Robotaxi launch until this date. The letter states, “Under the new framework, commercial autonomous vehicle operators transporting passengers or property must receive prior authorization from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets without a human driver.”

    Compliance with Legislative Requirements

    The 2026 Model Y vehicles that Tesla currently uses for testing the Robotaxi service in Austin already meet many of the requirements set forth in the new legislation. Some aspects, such as being “capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable,” may still need to be proven for Tesla to move forward with the service prior to the new rules being enforced. Other requirements include being able to communicate with emergency responders, but Tesla has already completed the necessary training in Austin.

    Tesla is set to roll out the Robotaxi service with approximately a dozen new Model Y vehicles that have been operating around Austin for some time now, featuring the new ride-share logo that can be observed below. There have been multiple sightings of these driverless Model Ys, which seem to have a test passenger either in the front or back seat.

    Developer Interface Insights

    Interestingly, someone was able to capture a photo of the developer interface for the Robotaxi service while waiting at a traffic light. The user interface features a 3D map along with two prominent buttons marked “Pull Over” and “Emergency Stop.” It remains unclear if these buttons will be included in the final design of the Robotaxi interface, but Elon Musk has emphasized that safety will take precedence during the pilot launch of the service.

    Tesla is taking a page from Waymo’s playbook by focusing on geofenced urban areas that it has thoroughly mapped to minimize risks. Additionally, human operators will be on standby to assist, similar to Waymo’s approach.

    As shown in the video below, Tesla is currently conducting a second validation run on these city streets to fine-tune how the Model Y’s camera-only FSD interprets the mapped geofenced areas.

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  • Driverless Model Y Filmed on Streets with Tesla Robotaxi Logo

    Driverless Model Y Filmed on Streets with Tesla Robotaxi Logo

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi ride-share service will officially launch on June 22, with the first driverless delivery set for June 28.
    2. The service will start in Austin, Texas, where a driverless Model Y was spotted, showcasing Tesla’s logo on the vehicle.
    3. Texas has lenient regulations for self-driving cars, requiring minimal extra rules compared to standard vehicles.
    4. The Robotaxi fleet will use a new version of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software called “unsupervised FSD,” with future updates planned to enhance performance.
    5. Tesla is training local authorities in Austin on handling self-driving cars and will initially roll out about ten Model Y units in a controlled area, with human operators available for assistance.


    Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch

    Elon Musk announced that Tesla’s Robotaxi ride-share service will officially launch on June 22. Following this event, the first completely driverless delivery of a Model Y from the factory to a customer is set for June 28.

    First Sightings of the Robotaxi

    Before the launch, a driverless Model Y robotaxi was spotted on the streets of Austin for the first time. Tesla has decided to kick off its Robotaxi service in this city, and the logo can be seen on the side of the Model Y in the accompanying video.

    Texas Regulations

    Texas has quite lenient laws regarding self-driving cars, requiring minimal extra regulations compared to those for standard vehicles, such as basic registration and insurance.

    The Model Y can be seen waiting for pedestrians to cross before turning left, notably without a driver inside. Tesla has been testing these robotaxis with an employee in the back seat as a precaution. Musk mentioned that this Model Y operates on a different version of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software that other Tesla cars use.

    Future Software Updates

    In the future, the FSD version that the Robotaxi fleet will utilize, referred to by Tesla as “unsupervised FSD,” is expected to integrate with the main software that gets updated over the air, allowing all vehicles to join the platform.

    Later this year, Tesla plans to roll out a new version of the FSD that aims to increase parameters by four times while ensuring “super frugal use of memory bandwidth” and only caching what’s necessary.

    Collaboration with Local Authorities

    Tesla has been actively training the police and first responders in Austin on how to handle situations involving its self-driving cars. The company plans to start cautiously, rolling out around ten Model Y units within a geofenced area, similar to Waymo’s operations.

    There will also be human operators available for riders to contact in case any issues arise, resembling Waymo’s approach. The only remaining detail is the pricing for rides with Tesla’s Robotaxi service, which is expected to be revealed on or before the June 22 launch.

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