Tesla starts testing robotaxis in Austin with no safety driver

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is advancing its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, by allowing cars to operate without human safety monitors, moving closer to a commercial launch of the service [1][2]. Group 1: Robotaxi Service Development - The removal of human safety monitors is a significant step towards Tesla's goal of launching a commercial Robotaxi service, which has been in development for years [1]. - CEO Elon Musk has claimed that Tesla's Robotaxi service will compete with Waymo, asserting that Waymo "never really had a chance against Tesla" [2]. - Tesla's small test fleet has been involved in at least seven crashes since June, with limited details available due to the company's redaction of reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [2]. Group 2: Testing and Expansion - Tesla began offering rides in Austin to selected influencers and customers in June, initially with a safety monitor present, which was later moved to the driver's seat in September [3]. - The company has expanded its service area to cover a large portion of the greater Austin metropolitan area, although the fleet size has remained around 25 to 30 cars [3]. - Musk has previously claimed that Tesla would operate a fleet of Robotaxis covering "half of the population of the U.S." by the end of the year, but this target has been revised to approximately 60 vehicles in Austin [4]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - Tesla has been testing a ride-hail service in San Francisco, but California's regulations require multiple permits for fully driverless rides, unlike Texas, which has fewer restrictions [6]. Group 4: Hardware and Legal Challenges - Musk has discussed allowing Tesla owners to add their personal cars to the Robotaxi fleet, claiming that all Tesla vehicles have the necessary hardware for autonomy, a statement that has faced scrutiny and legal challenges [7]. - Tesla has undergone multiple hardware revisions for its driver assistance software, meaning many existing vehicles will require upgrades to meet the new standards [7].