Tesla has officially sent invitations to a select group of individuals for a limited testing phase of its highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. This trial is expected to commence on Sunday, as reported through various social media posts and email screenshots. Enthusiasts and potential users are encouraged to sign up here for more information.
In a recent correspondence, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requested Tesla to respond to detailed inquiries by June 19 regarding its plans for launching the paid robotaxi service in Austin. The agency aims to evaluate how Tesla's vehicles, equipped with full self-driving technology, will handle adverse weather conditions. Tesla has acknowledged receipt of the NHTSA's queries and is currently in the process of formulating a comprehensive response. Once the review is finalized, the public file will be updated accordingly.
The invitations for the robotaxi trial indicate that a Tesla employee will accompany riders in the front passenger seat during their journeys. This measure raises questions regarding real-time supervision or monitoring of the vehicles by Tesla, a point that NHTSA has emphasized in its inquiries. Since October, the NHTSA has been investigating incidents involving Tesla's full self-driving cars in low-visibility conditions, which involves approximately 2.4 million vehicles equipped with this technology.
The investigation stems from four reported collisions, including a tragic fatal crash in 2023. In May, the NHTSA sought further information about Tesla's robotaxi development, particularly focusing on the system's ability to respond appropriately to reduced visibility due to conditions such as sun glare, fog, airborne dust, rain, or snow. The agency is keen to understand how many vehicles will be utilized as robotaxis and the expected timeline for the availability of this technology to drivers other than Tesla.
In its letter, the NHTSA has requested a detailed description from Tesla regarding the safety measures that will be implemented to ensure the secure operation of robotaxis in adverse visibility conditions. Additionally, the agency is interested in knowing the protocol if riders encounter poor visibility during their trips. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reiterated his commitment to prioritizing safety during these trials, emphasizing that human operators will remotely monitor the vehicles throughout their operation.
As Tesla moves forward with this groundbreaking initiative, the eyes of the automotive industry and regulatory bodies will be closely watching the outcomes of these trials. The success of the robotaxi service could potentially redefine public transportation and autonomous vehicle technology.
For ongoing updates and more information about Tesla's robotaxi service and its implications, stay tuned to our news coverage.
