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Tesla Unveils Highly Anticipated Cybercab Self-Driving Robotaxi

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently unveiled the company’s robotaxi, the Cybercab, promising it will be priced under US$30,000. Musk also detailed plans to implement autonomous driving in the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles across California and Texas by next year.

At the eagerly awaited “We, Robot” event held at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, Musk made a stylish entrance in the Cybercab, donning his iconic black leather jacket, alongside a man in a space suit.

The event featured human-like robots that entertained attendees by dancing and serving drinks.

Leading up to this announcement, many analysts expressed doubts about Tesla’s capability to fulfill these ambitious projects, noting that promises of fully autonomous vehicles had been pending for nine years and robotaxis for five years.

Musk revealed that there were an additional 20 Cybercabs at the event and 50 fully autonomous vehicles available for guests to test drive around the expansive 20-acre venue.

He added that the Cybercab would lack traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals and would instead utilize inductive charging.

He mentioned that Tesla had equipped the vehicles with an advanced computing system, akin to the distributed network used by Amazon Web Services, which enhances their performance. Tesla has projected the Cybercab’s cost to be less than US$30,000.

Musk stated that production of the Cybercab would start by 2026, hesitating briefly before clarifying, “before 2027.”

Acknowledging his usual optimism about timelines, Musk commented on the potential future benefits of autonomous driving, envisioning a world where parking spaces become parks and commuters enjoy their journeys in comfort.

Musk envisioned autonomous vehicles doubling as taxis, similar to Uber, when not in use by their owners, potentially forming fleets to compete with existing ride-sharing services. He optimistically described the upcoming changes as a “glorious future.”

He also highlighted the transition of Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y to fully autonomous driving, initially in California and Texas, with future expansions subject to regulatory approvals. He mentioned similar plans for the S and X models without specifying a timeline.

Musk emphasized the benefits of autonomous driving, predicting significant reductions in accidents and improved safety over human drivers due to extensive data collected from Tesla vehicles.

Highlighting the superior reliability of autonomous vehicles, Musk explained that they do not suffer from human limitations like fatigue or distraction.

He also introduced the Robovan, an autonomous vehicle capable of transporting up to 20 people and goods, although he did not disclose its price or production timeline.

Further progress was shared regarding Optimus, a humanoid robot developed by Tesla, which mingled with guests and served drinks at the event.

Musk requested attendees treat the Optimus robots kindly as they interacted during the event, hinting at a future where these robots could be mass-produced for as much as US$30,000.

The event concluded with the Optimus robots performing a dance on a neon-lit stage to Daft Punk’s “Robot Rock,” highlighting Tesla’s ongoing innovations in robotics and autonomous technology.

This showcase occurs amidst legal challenges faced by Tesla, including a class-action lawsuit in the US regarding the delayed delivery of promised full self-driving capabilities.

Previously, Tesla had to recall some self-driving vehicles following regulatory concerns over traffic violations, which were addressed with a software update.

Additionally, an ongoing investigation evaluates the adequacy of measures to ensure driver engagement with the autopilot and full self-driving systems after several related accidents.