Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has set a bold target to eliminate safety monitors from the company’s robotaxis by the end of this year. In an earnings call with investors, Musk revealed plans to launch a robotaxi service in 8-10 new markets before 2025.
Musk expressed confidence in Tesla’s autonomous driving capabilities, stating, ‘We are expecting to have no safety drivers in at least large parts of Austin by the end of this year.’ He emphasized the cautious approach Tesla is taking to deployment, aiming to ensure utmost safety.
Currently, Tesla’s robotaxis in Austin and San Francisco are accompanied by safety monitors equipped with a kill switch, a precaution not required by competitors like Waymo. Musk attributed the presence of human monitors to Tesla’s safety-focused mindset rather than any technological shortcomings.
Looking ahead, Musk outlined plans to expand Tesla’s robotaxi operations to 8-10 additional states, including Nevada, Florida, and Arizona, by year-end, pending regulatory approvals. While the exact number of robotaxis in Austin remains undisclosed, Tesla’s vehicles in the city have covered over a quarter million miles, showcasing the growing reach of autonomous driving technology.
Source: The Verge