Tesla starts testing Cybercab without pedals or a steering wheel in Austin

Tesla has initiated trials of its innovative Cybercab prototype in Austin, Texas. This new design features two seats and notably lacks a steering wheel and pedals. Currently, a safety monitor occupies the right passenger seat during these tests, as highlighted in a video shared on X, the social media platform managed by CEO Elon Musk. This testing phase comes nearly two years after the initial announcement of the Cybercab, which aims to be a fully autonomous robotaxi accessible via Tesla's app. Approximately a year ago, the company had already started testing a Robotaxi service in Austin utilizing Model Y SUVs, with safety monitors present on occasion. Recently, Tesla has been experimenting with earlier versions of the Cybercab, which included traditional steering mechanisms, across several U.S. cities. The company has also been observed parking numerous Cybercabs in various parking lots, fueling speculation that a large-scale robotaxi network may soon be realized. A significant development that could facilitate this vision occurred last week when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a regulation that would eliminate the requirement for brake pedals in vehicles meant solely for automated driving. While this proposal is still open for public commentary, its passage is anticipated later this year. Musk and Tesla executives are confident in their ability to surpass current robotaxi frontrunner Waymo. They argue that Tesla’s dual role in manufacturing both the vehicles and the driving software allows for greater cost control compared to Waymo, which partners with manufacturers like Jaguar and Zeekr. Furthermore, Tesla plans to achieve full autonomy for the Cybercab using only camera technology, in contrast to Waymo's reliance on a more intricate set of sensors, including lidar and radar. Despite years of promises regarding fully autonomous vehicles, Tesla has yet to deploy one on a large scale. The closest endeavor has been the robotaxi service in Austin, which has experienced fluctuations in scale over the past year. Some vehicles within this service have been involved in minor accidents, with at least two attributed to remote operators. Conversely, Waymo's robotaxis have encountered their share of challenges, including a recent inability to navigate construction zones and flooded areas, which led to recalls designed to avoid specific problems. As Tesla continues to refine its Austin robotaxi network, the visibility of its two-seater Cybercabs will likely enhance scrutiny of both its achievements and setbacks in establishing a national robotaxi service.