Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, stated that the company aims to eliminate safety monitors from its robotaxis by the end of this year. He also indicated plans to launch a robotaxi service in 8 to 10 additional markets before the conclusion of 2025. During an earnings call, Musk mentioned that they expect to have no safety drivers in large parts of Austin by the end of this year, approaching full deployment cautiously.
Currently, Tesla’s robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco utilize safety monitors equipped with a kill switch. These monitors sit in different positions depending on the city—with the monitor in the passenger seat in Austin and the driver seat in San Francisco. Musk described the presence of these monitors as a precautionary measure, emphasizing that it is not a reflection of any technological shortcomings.
Musk acknowledged the potential repercussions of any incidents involving robotaxis, stating, “Obviously even one accident will be front page headline news worldwide.” He expressed the need for a cautious approach to deployment.
Looking ahead, Musk anticipates that Tesla will be operating robotaxis in states such as Nevada, Florida, and Arizona within the year, contingent upon regulatory approval. The current number of Tesla robotaxis operating in Austin remains unclear, but previously reported figures indicated approximately 20 vehicles. Collectively, these vehicles have driven over a quarter million miles, while those in San Francisco have surpassed a million miles, according to Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s VP of AI software.
Musk clarified that safety monitors will also be integrated into the vehicles introduced in new markets, ensuring a cautious approach consistent with the company’s operational philosophy. He had previously projected that robotaxis could serve 50% of the U.S. population by the end of this year and that customers would be able to upgrade their vehicles for autonomous driving by 2025.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/transportation/804972/tesla-robotaxi-safety-monitor-remove-austin-musk