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US Auto Safety Agency Reviews Tesla’s Responses on Robotaxi Safety Ahead of Deployment

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The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently reviewing Tesla’s answers regarding the safety of its upcoming robotaxi service, particularly how the self-driving vehicles will perform in poor weather conditions. This review comes ahead of Tesla’s planned limited launch of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, which could begin as early as this weekend.

Tesla has reportedly invited a small group of people to participate in a test of the robotaxi service, with posts and screenshots on social media showing that a Tesla employee will accompany riders in the front passenger seat. NHTSA had requested detailed information from Tesla by June 19 to better understand the company’s safety protocols and technology for the robotaxi rollout.

The agency’s ongoing probe covers 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, following multiple collisions in reduced visibility conditions, including a fatal crash in 2023. NHTSA’s questions focus on how Tesla plans to ensure safety in challenging conditions such as fog, sun glare, rain, dust, or snow, and what the vehicle’s response would be if such conditions arise during a ride.

Additionally, the agency has sought clarity on how many vehicles will be deployed as robotaxis and the timeline for wider availability, especially for vehicles operated by third parties rather than Tesla directly. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has emphasized a strong safety focus for the upcoming trial, with humans remotely monitoring the vehicles during operations.

Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and NHTSA said it will update the public file once its review is complete.

Tesla to Use Remote Teleoperation for Robotaxis Amid Safety Concerns, Faces Limitations

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Tesla plans to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with around 10 Model Y SUVs operating under strict safety limits. The vehicles will be remotely monitored by humans through teleoperation, a technology allowing operators to control cars from a distance via wireless networks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk emphasized a cautious approach, with humans ready to take control in challenging situations, such as navigating crowded areas or confusing traffic scenarios.

Teleoperation in the robotaxi industry varies. For example, Waymo’s vehicles mostly operate autonomously but can consult human “fleet response” agents for help when uncertain. Baidu’s Apollo Go offers fully remote backup drivers who can take over virtually. Tesla’s model leans toward remote control intervention, supported by recent job ads seeking teleoperation personnel capable of managing vehicles and robots remotely.

However, teleoperation has key limitations. It depends on stable cellular connections, which can lag or drop, creating safety risks if vehicles lose contact with operators during critical moments. Experts warn that while teleoperation might be feasible for a small test fleet like Tesla’s, it becomes unreliable at scale. Additionally, one operator can only monitor a limited number of vehicles effectively.

Tesla’s robotaxis will initially operate only in safe, limited parts of Austin, avoiding complex intersections. The company’s Full Self-Driving software will provide autonomous control, with teleoperators acting as a safety backup. Some Texas lawmakers have urged Tesla to postpone the launch until new autonomous driving laws take effect in September to ensure public safety and trust.

Tesla Asked by Texas Democratic Lawmakers to Delay Robotaxi Launch

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A group of Democratic lawmakers from the Austin area has asked Tesla to postpone the launch of its robotaxi service until September, when a new autonomous-driving law is expected to take effect. The letter, sent on Wednesday, argues that delaying the rollout is in the best interest of public safety and would help build trust in Tesla’s operations.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had indicated the robotaxi launch could happen as early as this Sunday. However, if Tesla moves forward with the launch this month despite the lawmakers’ request, they demand detailed information on how the company will comply with the new state law.

Last year, Musk shifted Tesla’s focus toward autonomous-driving technology, moving away from rapid growth in electric vehicle sales. Tesla has not commented on the lawmakers’ letter.

The influence of the request is uncertain in Texas, a state governed by Republicans holding majorities in the legislature.

Musk announced in January that Tesla planned to offer autonomous ride-hailing in Austin starting in June. Investors and analysts have closely monitored this rollout, seeing robotaxis and humanoid robots as critical to Tesla’s future market value.

Currently, Texas law permits autonomous vehicles to operate statewide if they meet registration and insurance requirements. The new legislation, passed last month but not yet signed by the governor, will require companies to get authorization to operate and allows authorities to revoke permits if driverless vehicles endanger public safety. It also mandates providing guidance to first responders on how to handle these vehicles in emergencies.

Tesla has provided few details on the launch, stating it will start with 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles operating only in parts of Austin deemed safest. Information about passengers, pricing, operational zones, and remote monitoring remains undisclosed.