Tesla Tests Its Driverless Robotaxis on Real Roads
Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla cars are already driving without anyone handling them in restricted trials. This key advance for the robotaxi comes after the company obtained exceptional authorization in the state of California. 🚗
Tesla's Approach to Deploying Autonomy
The vehicles operate on their own on established routes within a specific geographic area. The main objective is to collect data from everyday situations to perfect its automatic driving technology. Analysts indicate that this strategy allows the company to bypass stricter regulations governing commercial transportation services.
Key Details of the Maneuver:- Classify the trials as technical demonstrations and not as a public service.
- Thus avoiding certain mandatory safety requirements for commercial operations.
- Accelerate the process of developing autonomy while accumulating vital test miles.
It seems that the real challenge is not just for the vehicle to avoid obstacles, but for the company to dodge regulations.
The Debate on Caution and Transparency
Road safety specialists and some regulatory bodies have expressed concern over the absence of a supervisor inside the car during these tests. They argue that a level 4 autonomy system, which Tesla aims to achieve, usually requires remote monitoring or the possibility of instant intervention.
Points of Controversy:- The decision not to include a safety monitor in this phase is considered risky by several experts.
- The lack of this supervision layer raises doubts about whether the technology is being tested with due caution.
- Tesla defends that its system is sufficiently advanced and mature for this controlled step.
The Path to the Robotaxi
This move represents a significant milestone in the race to launch an autonomous taxi service. By operating without human intervention in real, albeit limited, environments, Tesla seeks to validate the robustness of its software and hardware. The outcome of these tests will influence the pace for obtaining final regulatory approvals and public confidence. 🤖