Tesla (TSLA.O) has invited a small group of users to participate in a limited test of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, tentatively scheduled to begin this Sunday, according to social media posts and email screenshots. The invitations indicate that a Tesla employee will accompany riders in the front passenger seat during the trial.
This trial in Austin is a critical step for Tesla as the company faces challenges including declining car sales linked to CEO Elon Musk’s political stances. Tesla has increasingly shifted focus from producing affordable electric vehicles to advancing robotics and artificial intelligence, a strategy that underpins much of its market valuation.
Elon Musk has emphasized safety for the trial, stating that the vehicles will be monitored remotely by humans and expressing confidence in scaling the robotaxi service quickly. The initial deployment will involve about 10 Model Y SUVs equipped with Tesla’s full self-driving driver assistance software.
The rollout could be delayed, and operations may be limited or suspended in poor weather conditions. Riders must be at least 18 years old. Tesla’s cautious approach to the robotaxi launch drew approval from X.com user Omar Qazi (@WholeMarsBlog), who received an invitation and noted, “Tesla is rolling out the Robotaxi service extremely cautiously, which is good. Baby steps.” Musk responded, “Very much so.”
Despite the enthusiasm, commercializing autonomous vehicles remains costly and risky. Tesla, along with competitors like Alphabet’s Waymo (GOOGL.O) and Amazon’s Zoox (AMZN.O), has faced federal probes and recalls linked to crashes involving self-driving cars.
Experts have raised concerns about Tesla’s heavy reliance on cameras and AI, without backup sensors such as lidar or radar, warning that adverse weather like fog, heavy rain, or sun glare could compromise safety.
Recently, a group of Democratic lawmakers from Austin urged Tesla to postpone the rollout until September, when new state regulations on autonomous vehicles will come into effect.
Users in Austin who receive invitations can download Tesla’s Robotaxi app to summon a vehicle. One screenshot shared online stated, “Through this exclusive preview, you’ll have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on our Robotaxi service.” Reuters was unable to immediately verify the screenshots’ authenticity.