11 october 2024 : Tesla has unveiled its much-anticipated driverless robotaxi prototype, a significant event for Elon Musk as it could have a major impact on the company’s future. The event will showcase a working model of the robotaxi, named Cybercab, along with a new business model aimed at transforming the transportation industry by eliminating human drivers. Musk has expressed his firm belief in the transformative potential of the robotaxi and sees it as a pivotal product for Tesla’s financial future. The event will be streamed live on Musk’s X platform.
For Musk, the success of the robotaxi unveiling is critical. A smooth launch would help address concerns about Tesla’s autonomous driving strategy. However, any mishaps, similar to past product reveals, could heighten doubts about the company’s progress, especially as Tesla trails behind competitors in deploying driverless vehicles on public roads. Tesla also faces challenges in securing the regulatory approvals needed to roll out robotaxis in major markets, with autonomous driving technology still far from flawless.
The event’s delay, several months behind schedule, comes after Musk ordered changes to the prototype. The situation is further complicated by the departure of several key executives just before the reveal. Currently, Tesla offers a driver-assistance system called Full Self-Driving (FSD), but it still requires constant supervision and does not make the vehicles fully autonomous.