Core Points - Tesla's robotaxi service was launched in Austin, Texas, but faced scrutiny after videos showed erratic driving behavior [1][2] - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the incidents involving Tesla's robotaxis [2][3] - The pilot service is limited to a small number of invited users and operates under specific conditions [4][5] Company Overview - Tesla's robotaxis are Model Y SUVs equipped with the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) Unsupervised software and hardware [4] - The service currently involves fewer than 24 vehicles and operates only during daylight and in good weather, with a human safety supervisor present [4] Industry Context - Tesla's stock rose by 8% following the robotaxi launch, although it did not meet Elon Musk's previous promises regarding full autonomy and robotaxi deployment [5][6] - Competitors like Waymo and various Chinese companies have made significant advancements in the robotaxi space, with Waymo surpassing 10 million paid trips [6][7]

Core Insights - Tesla is set to launch its robotaxi service in Austin in June, following years of delays and amidst a competitive landscape where some competitors like GM's Cruise have exited the market [1][3] - Elon Musk emphasizes Tesla's unique approach to autonomy, relying on cameras and AI, which could allow for quicker and more cost-effective scaling of robotaxis compared to competitors [2][3] Robotaxi Launch Details - The initial rollout will be a "pilot" launch with approximately 10 robotaxis in the first week, potentially scaling to 1,000 within a few months [8][9] - The launch will be "invite only" and will include tele-operators to ensure safety, differing from competitors who use remote human workers for guidance [4][5] Vehicle Specifications - The first robotaxis will likely be Model Ys, which will become autonomous through a software update, with no changes to the physical vehicle [12] - Tesla's Cybercab, a separate product, is expected to begin volume production in 2026, with prototypes currently being developed [17][18] Business Model - Musk describes the robotaxi business model as a mix of Airbnb and Uber, allowing Tesla owners to earn money by adding their cars to the autonomous fleet [14][15] - Owners could potentially earn around $30,000 a year from the service, making it financially attractive [14] Ordering Process - A ride-hailing mobile app is in development, allowing users to request robotaxi services and adjust settings before pickup [16]