Musk says Tesla's self-driving tests will be geofenced to 'the safest' parts of Austin | TechCrunch
May 20, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Tesla is set to test its long-promised robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, next month, initially limiting operations to specific areas deemed "the safest" by the company. CEO Elon Musk revealed that Tesla's cars would avoid complex intersections unless the company is highly confident in their ability to navigate them, opting for alternative routes when necessary. This cautious approach marks a strategic shift for Musk, who previously envisioned a general-purpose self-driving solution. The initial fleet will consist of around 10 Model Y SUVs equipped with the "unsupervised" version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving software, monitored remotely by employees without any safety operators inside the vehicles.
Musk also indicated that Tesla plans to launch similar trials in California and potentially other states later this year. The use of geofencing, a strategy Musk hinted at during Tesla's first-quarter earnings call, represents a significant change in the company's approach to autonomous driving. This method involves restricting vehicles to specific areas to ensure safety and reliability. The cautious rollout aligns with industry practices, as companies like Waymo also employ remote monitoring and guidance for their autonomous fleets.
Key takeaways:
Tesla plans to test its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using a geofence to limit operations to specific areas deemed safe.
CEO Elon Musk emphasized a cautious approach, with remote monitoring of the initial fleet of 10 Model Y SUVs equipped with Full Self-Driving software.
Musk's strategy marks a shift from his previous claims of a general-purpose self-driving solution, now focusing on localized parameter sets.
Other companies like Waymo also use remote monitoring for their autonomous vehicles, but Tesla's approach involves no safety operators inside the vehicles.
