Tesla's Robotaxi Service: Navigating the Road with Teleoperation

Tesla is set to launch its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using Model Y SUVs monitored through remote teleoperation. CEO Elon Musk emphasizes the company's priority on safety, while the service faces technical and legal challenges due to the new autonomous-driving law set to take effect in September.

Tesla is poised to launch its long-anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, utilizing its Model Y SUVs with teleoperation support. The rollout, expected as early as Sunday, will involve around 10 vehicles operating under strict limitations, with human operators remotely monitoring the fleet.

Teleoperation, defined as the remote control of machines via wireless networks, plays a critical role in the current era of autonomous vehicle testing. It allows operators to intervene in uncertain situations, ensuring safety and compliance. However, the technology faces limitations, such as data connection lags, which can pose risks during remote driving.

As Tesla navigates these challenges, a group of Democratic Texas lawmakers has requested a delay in the robotaxi launch until a new autonomous-driving law takes effect in September, citing safety and public trust concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)