Tesla Unsupervised Robotaxi Austin 2026 Milestone: Driver's Seat Now Empty
Tesla begins unsupervised robotaxi tests in Austin with empty driver seats. Discover how this 2026 milestone compares to Waymo's current autonomous leadership.
The driver's seat is finally empty. Tesla has officially kicked off unsupervised robotaxi trips in Austin, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in the race for autonomous dominance. CEO Elon Musk celebrated the milestone on X by reposting a video of the drive, congratulating the company's AI team for their progress as of January 22, 2026.
Tesla Unsupervised Robotaxi Austin Rollout Details
According to reports from The Verge, Tesla's approach varies significantly between its two test cities. In Austin, the safety monitor now sits in the passenger seat, leaving the steering wheel untouched. However, in San Francisco, monitors are still required to stay in the driver's seat. This staged transition highlights Tesla's cautious yet aggressive path toward a driverless future.
Waitlists and Competition
Tesla hasn't fully opened the service to the public yet. Prospective riders must join a waitlist, a contrast to Waymo's established presence in several US cities. Musk maintains that these human monitors are a temporary safeguard. The goal remains a 100% autonomous network that doesn't rely on geofencing or expensive LiDAR sensors.
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