Tesla Prepares to Launch Robotaxi in San Francisco
Tesla has launched a pilot robotaxi project in Austin, Texas, and is now planning to expand the service to San Francisco. However, before the launch, the company needs to obtain permits from local regulatory authorities. Elon Musk stated that the service deployment could begin in as little as one to two months.
The current test program in Austin is limited to a specific zone, and each car has a safety driver observer present. In San Francisco, Tesla will face more complex conditions: narrow streets, steep slopes, and high population density. Furthermore, California has stricter regulations for autonomous vehicles.
We are waiting for regulatory approval, but will probably launch the service in a month or two.
Challenges for Autonomous Systems
San Francisco is one of the most challenging cities for testing autonomous driving technologies. Unlike Texas, where regulation is minimal, in California Tesla needs to obtain permits from several government agencies. Additionally, the company will have a competitor — Waymo, which has been operating in the city for a long time.
Launching a robotaxi in such an environment will require not only technical reliability but also passenger trust. The success of the project will depend on how quickly Tesla can adapt its technology to local conditions and requirements.