Tesla’s Austin Robotaxis: Fully Driverless Operations
Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin has achieved a significant milestone, with every one of the 170 rides logged over a two-week period running fully driverless. This revelation comes from an independent monitoring project, Robotaxi Tracker, which tracks and documents Tesla's autonomous vehicle operations.
Ethan McKanna, the creator of Robotaxi Tracker, shared his findings with The Verge, stating that all 170 monitored rides were unsupervised. This shift is notable, especially considering the previous presence of supervised rides with safety monitors.
Tracking and Methodology
The project relies on data from app users who log their rides, along with crowdsourced and public information. McKanna's internship with Tesla's Robotaxi team adds a layer of insight, but his data remains independent. The tracking system has also been improved, leading to a revised count of active unsupervised vehicles.
A Growing Trend
The increase in unsupervised rides is not limited to Austin. McKanna observes a similar trend in Dallas and Houston, with approximately 30 driverless Teslas operating in those areas. This expansion contrasts with a perceived stagnation or decline in the unsupervised fleet earlier this summer.
Defining "Unsupervised"
The term "unsupervised" is crucial here, carrying multiple meanings. It refers to both the absence of an onboard safety monitor and the potential for remote operators to intervene. Tesla does not disclose details about remote intervention, including the frequency or scope of such events.
A video circulating online shows a Tesla robotaxi driving through plastic bollards, which have been in place since February 2024. This incident, reported by Electrek, highlights the ongoing challenges and improvements in self-driving technology.