Tesla launches self-driving 'Cybercab' robotaxi
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: Elon Musk has unveiled Tesla's autonomous driving robotaxi, named 'Cybercab', at the car maker's 'We, Robot' event in California.
The numbers: Musk said the company expects to the Cybercab to be in production by 2026, or "before 2027", and will start fully autonomous Model 3 and Model Y trips in Texas and California "next year".
The cost will be below USD30,000 ($44,500), he said.
Musk also emphasised the safety of the vehicle, claiming it would be "10, 20, 30 times safer than a human", saving lives and preventing injuries.
The context: The Cybercab is a purpose-built autonomous vehicle, without a steering wheel or pedals, meaning it will need approval from regulators before going into production.
Musk also surprised attendees at the event by unveiling a passenger van, dubbed the 'Robovan', a fully autonomous vehicle that can carry up to 20 people and is set to be produced commercially.
Tesla also showcased its autonomous assistant, called the 'Optimus Robot', a humanoid robot that can "be a teacher, babysit your kids, walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries, be your friend, serve drinks, whatever you can think of".
What they said: "I think this will be the biggest product ever of any kind," Musk said about the Optimus Robot. "Because I think everyone of the eight billion people on earth, I think everyone's gonna want their Optimus buddy."
On the Cybercab, Musk said: "I think there'll be an interesting business model where — let's say somebody's an Uber driver today — they can actually manage a fleet of cars".
"Manage 10, 20 cars, and take care of them them like a shepherd tends to their flock. You have your flock of cars and you're the shepherd and you take care of your flock of cars. I think that'd be pretty cool. I think it's going to be a glorious future."
The source: Tesla announcement
