Autonomous safety monitors of Tesla's robotaxis now take up the traditional driver's seat position
Tesla's highly anticipated robotaxi service has made its debut in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step towards the future of autonomous transportation. Despite facing some challenges, the service is now open to the public, operating under the state's new driverless vehicle regulations.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has expressed optimism about the service's expansion, predicting that it will be available for approximately half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025. However, it's important to note that Texas currently classifies Tesla's autonomous system as a Level 2, requiring human oversight at all times.
When a Tesla robotaxi is ordered, it arrives with a human sitting in the driver's seat. In some cases, a human "safety monitor" is required to remain in the driver's seat for certain trips, especially when the vehicle is operating on highways. Initially, the safety monitor has been seated in the passenger seat of the Tesla robotaxi, but the company's official account on Elon Musk's social media platform X has explained that this is a cautious first step towards expanding to highways.
The service's launch in Austin has not been without its hiccups. Occupants have shared cautionary tales about the driverless service, with incidents such as driving in the wrong lane, running over curbs, and unexpected braking in the middle of the street. Tesla, however, has emphasised that these are part of the learning process as the technology continues to evolve.
Texas's new regulatory framework for fully autonomous vehicles, SB 2807, which became effective from September 1, provides a solid foundation for the safe and responsible deployment of such technology. Under the new regulations, if a customer requires the robotaxi to drive on the state's highways, the safety monitor must move to the driver's seat while the vehicle is in operation.
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As Tesla's robotaxi service continues to evolve and expand, it's an exciting time for those looking towards a future where autonomous vehicles could become a common sight on our roads.
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