Summary
- Tesla plans to launch unsupervised Full Self Driving in Austin in June
- Tesla is laying the groundwork for the upcoming robotaxi service
- Recent observations show the first lines of code referencing a robotaxi service in the Tesla app
- The initial robotaxi service in Austin will likely use Model 3 or Model Y vehicles with AI4 computers
- Cybercab, designed for self-driving robotaxi, is expected to enter mass production in 2026
Article
During the Q4 2024 earnings call, Elon Musk announced that Tesla is planning to launch an initial unsupervised Full Self Driving service in Austin by June. This marks a significant milestone for the electric vehicle manufacturer, as they have been actively working on developing their FSD technology to make this service a reality. Recent observations from the Tesla community suggest that the company is starting to lay the groundwork for the upcoming robotaxi service, with vehicles already being tested with unsupervised FSD capabilities at their Fremont Factory.
Tesla’s current FSD deployment involves supervised driving, where human drivers are still required as a safety measure. However, a video posted by the company showed vehicles produced at the Fremont Factory driving without a human driver to the facility’s outbound lot, indicating the use of unsupervised FSD technology. Elon Musk confirmed during the earnings call that the robotaxi service will be first rolled out in Austin, with vehicles operating without anyone inside them starting in June. This development is not a distant future scenario but rather a tangible reality that is only a few months away.
Observations from the Tesla App Updates (iOS) account have revealed the first lines of code related to a robotaxi service within the Tesla mobile app. The code includes features such as a feedback screen for users to rate the cleanliness of the vehicle and upload photos. While these features are not expected to be customer-facing for some time, the presence of this code is a promising indication of Tesla’s progress towards launching the robotaxi service. The Tesla software tracker Teslascope also noted the significance of this code and the potential implications it holds for future developments.
It is anticipated that the first vehicles to be deployed for the robotaxi service in Austin will likely be Model 3 or Model Y units equipped with AI4 computers. These vehicles are currently the most advanced in Tesla’s fleet and are capable of supporting the autonomous driving technology required for a robotaxi service. The Cybercab, a vehicle specifically designed by Tesla to be a self-driving robotaxi, is expected to enter mass production sometime in 2026 and may be deployed for the service at a later time. The introduction of the Cybercab is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
As Tesla progresses towards the launch of its robotaxi service, the company remains open to receiving news tips and updates from the community. Those interested in sharing information or providing insights into Tesla’s developments can contact them directly via email. The engagement with the community showcases Tesla’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in advancing their autonomous driving technology. With the first lines of code referencing a robotaxi service already spotted in the Tesla mobile app, the future of autonomous transportation is rapidly approaching, and Tesla is at the forefront of this innovation.
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