Latest news with #RoboTaxi
ArabGT
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Musk Shares Update on Tesla's June RoboTaxi Rollout
Tesla's long-promised RoboTaxi service is finally nearing its public debut, with the first phase of the launch set for June 2025 in Austin, Texas. According to recent reports and comments by CEO Elon Musk, the program will begin on a small scale, with a focus on safety, data collection, and controlled expansion. Small Start, Big Vision Initial deployment will include just 10 to 20 fully autonomous Model Y vehicles. These units will operate without a safety driver inside—a major milestone for Tesla, marking the first time its vehicles will run on public roads without human supervision behind the wheel. However, remote teleoperators will monitor the fleet and be able to intervene in emergencies, ensuring an added layer of oversight during the early phase. Tesla's strategy here is deliberate. Musk emphasized in a recent CNBC interview that the cautious rollout is meant to build public trust and operational accuracy before expanding. He believes that once confidence is established, the fleet could grow to as many as 1,000 RoboTaxis within a few months. Geofenced Launch and Controlled Access The initial RoboTaxi service will be geofenced to specific, pre-approved zones within Austin—areas selected for their safety and controlled driving environments. This limited access, while disappointing for those expecting immediate citywide coverage, is intended to minimize risk and avoid setbacks as the program moves forward. No Cybercab Yet, But FSD Is Front and Center Although Tesla previewed a dedicated RoboTaxi model known as the Cybercab last year, that vehicle won't be part of the June rollout. Production of the Cybercab isn't expected to begin until 2026. For now, the service will rely on modified Model Y units equipped with Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Musk also confirmed that Tesla is actively in discussions with multiple automakers interested in licensing its FSD technology. While no agreements have been finalized, the move signals a potential expansion of Tesla's influence beyond its own vehicle lineup. Test Phase, Not Mass Launch Despite the excitement, Tesla's RoboTaxi debut is more of a public pilot than a full commercial rollout. The service will initially be available only to a small, invite-only group. This mirrors earlier internal testing where Tesla employees completed over 1,500 driver-assisted trips totaling more than 15,000 miles. However, unlike those trials, the June program will operate without a driver present—ushering in a new chapter for autonomous mobility. Still in Development Tesla's push into driverless ride-hailing is a clear step forward, but the journey is far from over. The company's cautious pace, heavy emphasis on safety, and selective launch strategy all point to a recognition that full autonomy at scale remains a complex and evolving challenge. As Tesla gathers more data and monitors real-world performance, this limited test in Austin could pave the way for wider deployment—if all goes according to plan. For now, the RoboTaxi dream is rolling out, one careful mile at a time.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk recommits to lead Tesla: Overview of the robotaxi launch
Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk recommitted himself to the electric vehicle company for the next five years, he affirmed at Bloomberg's Qatar Economic Forum. William Blair Group head of energy and sustainability research sector Jed Dorsheimer speaks more about Tesla's innovation, the rollout of its robotaxi beta starting in Austin, Texas, and the stock hit the EV manufacturer could receive if the EV tax credit gets repealed. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. Tesla shares in focus today as CEO Elon Musk said that the stock price shows the company isn't a good place. He said he's committed to still be Tesla's CEO in five years. For more on the latest from the EV maker, let's welcome in Jed Dorsheimer, William Blair group head of Energy and Sustainability Research Sector. Uh Jed, it's good to see you here. Now, um, this seems to be, rather than than a pivot point for Musk, this seems to be sort of the last point in his recent pivot, if that makes sense. In other words, he sort of has made a recommitment to the company. We've seen that on the earnings call. We've heard him talk about it. And then this latest comment just sort of seeming to solidify it. Is that how you see it and is it a positive for Tesla? Good to see you. I think it's always been solid. Right. I don't think that Elon's commitment has wavered at all in terms, I mean, I think there's been media around that. But, um, I think what it does, though, is it reinforces. If you look at the value of Tesla, you know, I've said this that if you look at Tesla and you say it's just an auto company, well, then it would be, you know, significantly overvalued, right? It would be a short if you looked at it from that perspective. Tesla is a juggernaut of innovation. And so and at the heart and central to that has been Elon, you know, is the steward of that ship. So what we got today was kind of that affirmation from Elon that he's not going anywhere. And I think as the company looks at morphing once again in terms of the product portfolio and the drivers to this business, I think that is critical to make sure that he is is going to be the one at the helm. And speaking of Tesla innovation jet, Robo Taxis on the way, right? I'm curious as analyst knows this company very well. When you think about that broader Robo Taxi market Jed, what it is, what it could be, how do you sort of compare and contrast Tesla and Waymo in that market? Um, it is a good question. I mean, our focus on Tesla has been on the energy side of the business, which is 14% of sales but 25% of the profitability and I think we've been pretty right on on that. Um, the Robo Taxi has kind of been this moving target, you know, for the past few years, uh, and now we're really coming to the point of launching the uh, the beta in Austin, Texas. Um, and, you know, I think there are probably ways that Tesla can have an advantage in terms of that true vertical integration, which um, which Waymo doesn't have. And the, the, you know, point counterpoint between the two has been whether lidar versus camera. And I think at this point, um, you know, from a scalability and a cost perspective. And so the ability if Tesla can prove out Robo Taxis successfully with the visual versus the lidar system, that means that the the profitability for Tesla is going to be far greater than what uh Waymo would be able to uh achieve. But that is a risk factor around uh, around both of them. And uh, and we have yet to see Tesla kind of prove that out in the real world. So this is going to be critical, um, for the future of uh, of Tesla's business model. And that's because the camera system is less expensive than the lidar system, Jed? Oh, yeah, yeah. Uh, you know, by, you know, so I think the cost structure is, you know, like 100 grand for a Waymo, you know, compared to, so it's it's fractions. It's, um, you know, would be pennies on the dollar in the in the comparison. So that gives a, you know, major advantage to Tesla, um, as long as they can kind of prove out that the neural network, um, has the the efficacy and the safety, uh, associated with that. Jed, let's say uh that EV tax credit Jed goes bye-bye. That $7,500 gets repealed. What does that mean for Tesla? Well, the stock would go lower in my opinion. You know, the where, you know, that will have a margin contraction and so that is the other risk that's on the table as we go into, uh, you know, moving over to um Robo Taxi uh because if you get rid of the tax credit, that's going to be a headwind on overall EV demand uh in the US and that would uh hit the the margin structure. Um, because autos still are the largest product on the business model. So if that is your, if you have high conviction that that is going to go away and that um, uh then, you know, there could be a, there could be volatility in an air uh air pocket before you get to we see the Robo Taxi ramp. All right, good to know. Lots of stuff to watch when it comes to Tesla. Jed, thank you so much. Thank you, guys.
Gulf Insider
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Abu Dhabi Expands Autonomous Robotaxi Trials
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) announced expanding the autonomous RoboTaxi service in the emirate. The service is offered in collaboration with Autogo, a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding, as part of a strategic partnership with Apollo Go, a subsidiary of China's Baidu. These trials represent a preparatory phase for the full-scale launch of the service by 2026. UAE announces new air corridor project for flying taxis, drones Dr Abdulla AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said the expansion of the autonomous RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal milestone in the journey towards smart mobility. 'We are committed to leveraging the latest technologies to make mobility smarter and safer, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in this field,' he said. Sean Teo, General Manager of Kintsugi Holding, said the start of a new operational phase of the RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a transformative shift in urban mobility. 'Autonomous taxis serve two vital objectives: improving road safety and enabling more sustainable transport. We are proud to support this significant development in the United Arab Emirates,' Teo said. The smart mobility technology initiative is launched in line with Abu Dhabi's mobility vision to deliver smart, efficient transport solutions that enhance quality of life and support digital transformation. The sixth generation of RoboTaxi vehicles (RT6) has been designed to provide an intelligent and seamless mobility experience. Developed to meet the evolving needs of modern cities, the RT6 features a cutting-edge electric design and AI-powered systems that enable accurate navigation and immediate responsiveness to real-time road conditions. They also support environmental sustainability by lowering emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and contributing to the development of future-ready smart cities. Also read: UAE: Fire at Abu Dhabi's Al Wahda Mall Brought Under Control; No Injuries Reported
Arabian Business
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi expands autonomous RoboTaxi trials ahead of 2026 full launch
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) announced expanding the autonomous RoboTaxi service in the emirate. The service is offered in collaboration with Autogo, a subsidiary of Kintsugi Holding, as part of a strategic partnership with Apollo Go, a subsidiary of China's Baidu. These trials represent a preparatory phase for the full-scale launch of the service by 2026. Dr Abdulla AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said the expansion of the autonomous RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal milestone in the journey towards smart mobility. 'We are committed to leveraging the latest technologies to make mobility smarter and safer, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in this field,' he said. Sean Teo, General Manager of Kintsugi Holding, said the start of a new operational phase of the RoboTaxi service in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a transformative shift in urban mobility. 'Autonomous taxis serve two vital objectives: improving road safety and enabling more sustainable transport. We are proud to support this significant development in the United Arab Emirates,' Teo said. The smart mobility technology initiative is launched in line with Abu Dhabi's mobility vision to deliver smart, efficient transport solutions that enhance quality of life and support digital transformation. The sixth generation of RoboTaxi vehicles (RT6) has been designed to provide an intelligent and seamless mobility experience. Developed to meet the evolving needs of modern cities, the RT6 features a cutting-edge electric design and AI-powered systems that enable accurate navigation and immediate responsiveness to real-time road conditions. They also support environmental sustainability by lowering emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and contributing to the development of future-ready smart cities.
Arabian Post
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Accelerates RoboTaxi Rollout With New Partnerships
Driverless transport options are gaining ground in Abu Dhabi as authorities move to widen the reach of RoboTaxi services across the emirate. The Integrated Transport Centre, operating under Abu Dhabi Mobility, confirmed the expansion of autonomous taxi trials through a strategic collaboration with Autogo, an advanced autonomous mobility solutions provider, and Apollo Go, Baidu's self-driving platform. Abu Dhabi Mobility stated that the expansion marks a significant step towards integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday life, with an emphasis on both safety and sustainability. The project is part of the broader Smart Mobility strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving transport efficiency. This move follows initial successful trials on Yas Island, where RoboTaxis operated under controlled conditions to collect performance and safety data. The latest phase extends the autonomous taxi service to additional urban areas within Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island and parts of Al Reem Island. Passengers can now hail RoboTaxis through dedicated mobile applications, with the service designed to offer round-the-clock operations. The vehicles are equipped with Level 4 autonomy, meaning they can perform all driving tasks within defined operational areas without human intervention, although a safety operator remains onboard during trials as a precautionary measure. Autogo and Apollo Go are deploying an updated fleet fitted with enhanced sensor arrays, including lidar, radar, and high-resolution cameras. These vehicles are capable of detecting and responding to complex traffic scenarios, such as pedestrian crossings, cyclist movements, and emergency vehicle prioritisation. Abu Dhabi authorities have indicated that full commercial operations are anticipated once regulatory frameworks are fully established and trial benchmarks are consistently met. Demand for autonomous mobility services in the emirate has been steadily growing, driven by factors such as urbanisation, digitalisation, and a young, tech-savvy population open to adopting innovative transport modes. Global consultancy reports predict that the Middle East's autonomous vehicle market will grow significantly over the next decade, with Abu Dhabi positioned to lead regional adoption given its early investment in smart city technologies. Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport, which oversees the Integrated Transport Centre, has reiterated its commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that prioritises safety while encouraging innovation. Current trials are being closely monitored, with data analytics playing a key role in assessing vehicle performance, user acceptance, and integration with traditional traffic systems. See also Aramco and BYD Join Forces on Energy Vehicle Innovation Autogo's Chief Executive Officer, Wang Yu, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in accelerating the adoption of autonomous technologies. Speaking at a media briefing, Yu said the partnership with Abu Dhabi Mobility was a model for how governments and technology firms could work together to bring transformative transport solutions to market. Baidu's Apollo Go division echoed these sentiments, noting that Abu Dhabi offered favourable infrastructure conditions for high-level autonomous driving trials. The RoboTaxi initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi's larger plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues by investing heavily in technology, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure. The expansion of the service is also aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy, which targets a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through a variety of initiatives, including sustainable transport solutions. While the adoption of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi has been largely welcomed, industry experts caution that challenges remain. Public trust in self-driving technology is still developing, and authorities are working to address concerns through extensive safety demonstrations, public education campaigns, and transparent data sharing. Insurance and liability frameworks are also under review, as current models must adapt to scenarios where vehicles, rather than drivers, are responsible for road incidents. Meanwhile, competition in the global autonomous vehicle sector is intensifying. Companies such as Waymo, Cruise, and Motional have made substantial progress in cities across the United States, while Asian markets like China and Japan are moving rapidly towards large-scale RoboTaxi deployment. Abu Dhabi's proactive approach is aimed at positioning the emirate as a leader not only regionally but also on the global stage of autonomous mobility. Recent deployments by Apollo Go in other territories, including parts of China's first-tier cities, have demonstrated the scalability of the technology, offering encouraging prospects for Abu Dhabi's ambitions. Autogo's track record in delivering commercial-scale deployments in international markets has further strengthened confidence in the success of the partnership. See also EU and UAE Set Course for Direct Trade Negotiations The trial expansion also includes provisions for enhanced accessibility, with the vehicles designed to accommodate passengers with limited mobility. Special features such as lower step-in heights, automatic ramps, and voice-activated controls have been integrated to ensure inclusivity. Abu Dhabi Mobility confirmed that these considerations were central to the service's design ethos, aiming to create a transport system that is equitable and user-friendly for all demographics. As the service expands, Abu Dhabi Mobility is engaging with stakeholders across sectors including urban planning, energy, and telecommunications to ensure that the infrastructure needed to support mass autonomous vehicle adoption is in place. This includes the development of smart intersections, 5G communication networks, and dedicated pickup and drop-off zones optimised for autonomous vehicle operations. Technological advancements are expected to drive further enhancements to the RoboTaxi experience, with future iterations promising even greater vehicle-to-infrastructure communication capabilities and improved AI decision-making models. Engineers working on the trials are also studying the impact of local environmental conditions, such as extreme heat and sandstorms, on the performance of autonomous systems to tailor solutions specifically for the region. Public sentiment around the RoboTaxi service has so far been largely positive, with early users praising the convenience and novelty of the experience. Authorities have stressed, however, that safety remains the overriding priority, with rigorous checks in place at every stage of service delivery. Plans are underway to gradually transition the RoboTaxi fleet from supervised to fully driverless operations once confidence in system reliability is firmly established. Abu Dhabi's vision for a technology-driven future is steadily taking shape, with autonomous transport a key pillar in its broader innovation agenda. The expansion of the RoboTaxi service is being closely watched by global cities also exploring autonomous mobility solutions, underlining the emirate's growing influence in shaping the next era of urban transportation.
