Tesla recently launched its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, but reports indicate that the self-driving vehicles are experiencing significant driving issues. Passengers using the service have documented several concerning incidents through videos, which show the Tesla Model Y robotaxis exhibiting erratic behavior.
Examples include sudden braking, entering incorrect lanes, improper drop-offs, and even driving over curbs. In one alarming video, a robotaxi drove into oncoming traffic for six seconds, while another incident captured a sudden brake that caused a passenger to jerk forward, leading to personal items falling on the floor.
Additionally, Austin’s autonomous vehicle incident dashboard registered its first reported safety concern on the same day the robotaxi service began. A spokesperson from the city noted that one of the vehicles braked sharply when passing a group of police cars that were not obstructing its path.
Experts are raising eyebrows at the frequency of these issues. Philip Koopman, a computer engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University, expressed surprise at the number of erratic driving videos appearing on the very first day of the trial, highlighting the concerns surrounding the safety of the technology.
The trial, which involves a small fleet of 10 to 20 self-driving robotaxis, marks a significant milestone for Tesla as it allows paying riders to experience rides without human drivers. The service initiation included a flat fee of $4.20.
CEO Elon Musk has ambitions to roll out the robotaxi service in other U.S. cities within the year, envisioning millions of Teslas operating autonomously by mid-2026. Tesla has not yet provided comments regarding the reported incidents.
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