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The trouble with Elon Musk’s robotaxi dream

Livemint · 5d

Elon Musk's robotaxi launch showcased his vision for an autonomous Cybercab that would serve as "individualized mass transit". However, the event was light on details and disappointed investors, with Tesla's share price falling by 9% the following day. While robotaxi services have emerged in various cities, there are still uncertainties surrounding profitability and scaling them to more challenging urban environments. Waymo is currently the leader in the field, with other companies like Cruise, Zoox, and Chinese firms Baidu, Pony.ai, WeRide, and Didi also experimenting with robotaxis. Tesla's approach relies on a "full-self driving" system that uses cameras, but it will need to navigate regulatory approval and address safety concerns. The question of who will own and operate robotaxi fleets also remains unanswered.