Driverless cars are no longer just a thing of the past. Tesla is a leading electric car manufacturer that is developing something called a robotaxi—a car that drives by itself with no human driver. The Tesla robotaxi project has the potential to change the way we travel, how we commute, and how we think about car ownership. 

In this article, we explore what is a Tesla robotaxi, how does it work, when will it come out, and what does it mean for the average person. 

What is a Robotaxi?

A robotaxi is a self-driving car with a taxi service model. Much like an Uber, you can summon it using your mobile device, and then it arrives and picks you up—without a driver. Instead of a human operating the vehicle, the robotaxi is operated by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensors. 

Tesla has plans for its own robotaxi fleet—cars built only for autonomous (driverless) travel.

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What Is the Robotaxi Tesla? 

Tesla's robotaxi is an upcoming vehicle that the company is developing, led by Elon Musk. Unlike the current vehicles Tesla makes, that require a driver in most situations, the Tesla Robotaxi will drive itself 100%. 

What to expect from the Tesla Robotaxi. 

It likely won't have a: 

• steering wheel 

• pedals 

• human driver at all 

You will use the Tesla app, show the vehicle your location, and it will pick you up. Then the vehicle will take you to the destination of your choice.  Recently Tesla Robotaxi Service Set for June 12 Launch

Elon Musk first described the idea of robotaxis in 2019. The idea has been more fleshed out over the past four years. As of now, Tesla appears to be set to unveil their first robotaxi vehicle on August 8, 2024 according to Musk via X (formerly Twitter). 

How Will a Tesla Robotaxi Work?

Tesla's Robotaxi will function via a technology called Full Self-Driving, or FSD. This is Tesla's most advanced drive software. It uses: 

• cameras located around the vehicle 

• AI software that is able to "learn" how to drive 

• maps and GPS 

• onboard computers able to analyze situations within split seconds 

While other companies often use LiDAR or dedicated preferred sensors, Tesla is using a vision-based AI system (the same way a human sees and drives). Tesla believes that establishing and training long-term vision systems like the human brain is the best long-term method, and that vision-based AI systems will be most effective. 

The cars will be able to: 

• navigate through urban traffic in cities 

• stop at lights/red lights and yards 

• change lanes

• Avoid pedestrians and other vehicles 

• safely drop you off 

Tesla is conducting tests of its FSD program with real drivers; in the US, as of early 2024, there are over 400,000 beta users using FSD in their daily lives right now.

Why Is This Significant?

If robotaxi tesla service is able to be launched successfully, it could:

• Drive down costs of rides (there is no driver to compensate)

• Lower traffic accidents (with driver error being the source of most crashes)

• Improve travel ease for elderly or disabled (via transportation access)

• Change city dynamics (fewer park cars, more shared rides)

• Assist in lowering emissions as Tesla's cars are all electric. 

It may also shift people's thinking about car ownership. Why buy a car if you can get a robotaxi anytime you need it?

The Real Statistics and Facts

Here are some statistics that quantify why Tesla's robotaxi could be huge:

Uber and Lyft drivers makeup approximately 4 million full-time employees in the US (Statista, 2023)

The global ride-sharing market of share rides is over $85 billion in 2023 and expected to be nearly $185 billion by 2030 (Allied Market Research)

Human mistakes, the motivation for nearly 94% of car crashes (U.S. Department of Transportation) 

If self-driving technology could simply trend down the numbers above, it would yield time savings for safety and the economy.

Will robotaxi tesla Be Cheap?

Elon Musk has said that Tesla robotaxis will have rides cheaper than a bus ticket. In that case, it could be one of the cheapest forms of transportation, especially in urban areas.

Tesla also plans to allow owners of certain Tesla models to let their vehicles be in the robotaxi network when not in use, generating revenue while they work or sleep.

When Will It Start?

No proper launch dates have been set for the public, but Tesla is expected to announce its robotaxi vehicle by August 2024. After that, Tesla will have to test and also obtain government approvals.

Experts think Tesla robotaxis could be starting in limited cities in late 2025 or 2026, pending safety tests and legalities.

What Are the Concerns? 

Of course, there are still some challenges. Some of the challenges include: 

Safety and trust: People need to feel safe in a car with no driver 

Legal rules: Each country and city has its own laws regarding self-driving vehicles 

Job loss fears: There are many taxi and delivery drivers who are concerned they will be made redundant 

Tesla and the other players in this will have to work with and together with governments and communities around the world to figure out solutions. 

Final Thoughts 

The robotaxi Tesla is one of the most exciting possibilities from technology right now. It could ultimately be a safer, cheaper, and more efficient way to travel. If Tesla can get it to work, it could change the world of transportation forever. 

Despite the challenges still ahead of it, the development of self-driving taxis is moving closer every day. And with Tesla spearheading the way, it won't be long before you're traveling in your very own driverless car. Follow AdvisorWheels for the upcoming development in this project. 

Whether you're curious, excited, or even apprehensive about this change—one thing is for sure: the future is going to look very different.