Tesla launches robotaxi service in Austin
Tesla has officially begun testing its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The service is currently only available to a limited group of users, including influential bloggers and verified customers. The company is using about 12 autonomous vehicles that operate within a clearly defined area of the city. Although the vehicles move without a driver, an observer is always present in the passenger seat.
The cost of one trip is $4.20, and the service is available daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, except in inclement weather. Users gain access through a special application where they can order a car and control the music via the screen in the cabin. Initial feedback indicates that the system works quite well, although there are cases of unexpected braking.
“Someone behind the wheel would be an obvious sign that the system still requires supervision. Placing an observer in the passenger seat creates the illusion of full autonomy,” the article states.
Cautious Start
Tesla has deliberately limited access to the service, offering it primarily to loyal brand supporters. This approach helps avoid mass criticism in case of technical failures. Currently, the robotaxis only serve the southern districts of Austin, and in conditions of heavy rain or thunderstorms, the service temporarily stops operating.
One of the test drives showed that a Model Y braked sharply near a crime scene where police cars were parked. This raised questions about the logic of the algorithms’ operation in non-standard situations. Despite this, the company continues to collect data for further improvement of the system. Such limited launches allow Tesla to refine the technology before a large-scale rollout in other cities.