Latest news with #TeslaSafetyMonitor
Engadget
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Tesla's first Robotaxi rides kick off in Austin, Texas
The June 22 launch of Tesla's robotaxis in Austin, Texas, actually occurred. It's a tentative first step for the company, however: a human "Tesla Safety Monitor" is accompanying the first riders. There are also only ten cars and rides are limited to certain Tesla users. Those early riders and influencers have been sharing their experiences on social media, mostly (surprise) on X. Most of the early riders appear to be pro-Tesla users, with a company mention in their social media bio or a Tesla cap in their profile picture (or both), so consider these initial reactions within that context. Having said that, an autonomous car ride is... an autonomous car ride. Many livestreams show the safety monitor gripping a handle on the right side of the passenger seat, possibly with emergency controls. However, that hasn't yet been confirmed. Many passengers attempted to talk with their safety monitors, with, er, limited success. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the "Content and social-media partners" setting to do so. One user, Bearded Tesla Guy called the app 'basically Uber.' Others found it challenging to summon a Tesla car from the limited pool of rides, watching multiple driverless Waymos pass them by as they waited. Austin is the place for autonomous ride testing: Waymo is scaling up its service in partnership with Uber, while Amazon's Zoox is also testing its tech in the area. After verifying your identity with the human safety monitor, you initiate the journey by pressing the 'start ride' button. Tesla has linked the service to users' existing profiles, allowing you to import your existing music playlists, which is a nice touch. You can also adjust your temperature settings, seat position and more from the companion app. Unlike a typical Tesla, the robotaxi has buttons to ask the car to pull over or stop in lane. There's also the option to call support if you encounter any issues with your automated ride, although we'd assume that a human safety monitor would likely offer quicker assistance. As the service kicked off, Tesla revealed a new robotaxi page , with all the guidelines and rules for its Robotaxis. The company also has detailed FAQs for using the service and a sign-up sheet for updates. Early access riders are being charged a flat rate of $4.20 for their journeys. Parameters are strict, on top of the limited pool of cars. Rides have to go within a geofenced area that excludes airports and run between 6AM and midnight. At this point, we know to take Musk's claims with a grain of salt, but the Tesla boss says the company plans to grow its taxi fleet to a thousand driverless cars on the road 'within a few months.' Tesla has also said it will operate its robotaxi network using an 'unsupervised' version of its self-driving software.
Engadget
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Tesla inaugural Robotaxi rides will have a human 'safety monitor' on board
A select few will soon get to experience Tesla's robotaxi service for the first time, but they won't be alone in the car. The company plans to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin, Texas tomorrow, but a "Tesla Safety Monitor" will accompany the first riders, according to email invitations sent out to "Early Access Riders." It's unclear what capabilities the safety monitor will have, but they will sit in the front passenger seat of a self-driving Model Y. The email outlined several parameters, including that users were limited to a geofenced area that excludes airports, could run into unavailability due to bad weather and can only hail a robotaxi between 6 am and midnight. This restrictive launch will reportedly only offer 10 cars and comes after a delay from an initial launch date on June 12. With the official date set, Tesla will only offer its robotaxi service with its Model Y for now. This robotaxi service will lay the groundwork for an eventual Cybercab release, which isn't expected to start production until at least 2026, according to the company. For now, Tesla's robotaxi service will face competition from Waymo, which started offering its competiting services in March to Austin residents.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla confirms its first robotaxi rides will have this passenger safety feature
Tesla's first robotaxi rides will include a human safety monitor in the front passenger seat. The Elon Musk-led electric vehicle maker has confirmed this feature in the invitations sent to influencers and investors. This passenger safety feature contradicts Elon Musk's previous assurances of fully unsupervised service. The invitations, which announced a June 22 launch date for the highly anticipated service, specify that the human monitor will "accompany you on your trip." This move marks a departure from Musk's earlier promises in January to launch "unsupervised" robotaxis with "no one in the car" this summer. In an April earnings call, Musk further explained that 10 to 20 Tesla Model Y vehicles would be remotely operated in emergencies. However, details regarding Tesla's robotaxi service have been scarce leading up to its launch. What Tesla said in its robotaxi service invitations In the invitation, the company wrote: 'As an Early Access rider, you can be among the first to use our new Robotaxi App and experience an autonomous ride within our geofenced area in Austin. Through this exclusive preview, you'll have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback on our Robotaxi service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walgreens Keeps Quiet About This '9 Pills for $7' Generic Cialis Deal Health Alliance by Friday Plans Learn More Undo While the Early Access phase is invitation-only, you are permitted to bring up to one additional guest, so long as they are 18+ and you remain present with them for the duration of the ride. A Tesla Safety Monitor sitting in the front right passenger seat will accompany you on your trip. Early Access will begin this Sunday, June 22, 2025; this date is subject to change. If you are able to join us in Austin, please let us know by responding to this email. Confirmed Early Access participants will receive a separate invitation to download our Robotaxi App. Parameters of Use • You must read through and agree to the attached Terms of Service, Rider Rules, Robotaxi Rider Privacy Notice, and Service Animal Policy. • You must have a credit/debit card on file. • You may request a ride in the app to/from anywhere in the geofenced area, excluding any airports, between 6:00AM to 12:00AM (midnight), every day of the week. These operational hours are subject to change. A map of the geofenced area is available in the app. • Note that service may be limited or unavailable in the event of inclement weather. • Only the invitee may download and use the Robotaxi App to hail a Robotaxi ride. • Please be courteous and treat the service with respect. Your participation in this Early Access program may be terminated for various reasons, including violating these parameters or engaging in unsafe and/or disrespectful behaviour. • Provide a star rating and feedback from your experience in the app. • Photos and video of the experience are ok. We look forward to your feedback. Thanks!' World Music Day 2025: Tech That Changed How We Listen to Music AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
