How Tesla plans to remotely control its robotaxis

Tesla tiptoed into its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on Sunday with about 10 of its Model Y SUVs that will operate within strict limits.

- CHRIS KIRKHAM NORIHIKO SHIROUZU RACHAEL LEVY

The rides were being offered on Sunday for a flat fee of $4.20, CEO Elon Musk said in an X post, and social media influencers were seen booking and taking rides in the robotaxis in several Austin locations, according to videos reposted by Mr Musk.

Mr Musk has said the company is being "super paranoid" about safety and that humans will remotely monitor the fleet, which also have safety monitors in front passenger seats.

Remote access and control — known in the industry as “teleoperation” — is used in varying degrees by the handful of robotaxi start-ups operating around the globe. The technology has clear advantages and important limitations.

Teleoperation is the control of machines by humans in a different location, usually over a wireless network.

It is used to train robots to operate autonomously, monitor their autonomous activity, and take over when required.

HOW TELEOPERATION WORKS

The global robotaxi industry is still in test mode, as companies deploy the vehicles in limited geographic areas and continually adjust the artificial intelligence software that controls them. Teleoperation is often used to intervene when a vehicle is unsure of what to do.

Alphabet’s Waymo, for example, has a team of human “fleet response” agents who respond to questions from the Waymo Driver — its bot.