As expected, Tesla unveiled its first autonomous taxi, the Cybercab, during the “We, Robot” event at the Tesla studio. Warner Bros. Discovery in California. This comes six months after Elon Musk initially announced the concept, and the Cybercab is the automaker’s vision of a fully autonomous, electric vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals. What Apple has obviously abandoned with its Apple Car. Beyond the robotaxi, the billionaire presented a surprise, the Robovan, as well as a greatly improved version of his humanoid robot Optimus.
Cybercab
Musk made a dramatic entrance as he arrived on stage in a Cybercab, announcing: “There are 20 more where this one came from.” He criticized current modes of transportation as inefficient, noting that cars are often idle. According to Musk, autonomous vehicles will revolutionize transportation by being more efficient, increasing safety and allowing people to reclaim time once spent driving. “With autonomy, you get your time back,” he said, adding that self-driving cars will be ten times safer than those driven by humans.
Musk also discussed theeconomic efficiency autonomous transport, suggesting that the Cybercab will eventually cost as little as 20 cents per mile to operate, with pricing ranging from 30 to 40 cents per mile including taxes. Tesla plans to sell the Cybercab for less than $30,000, making it accessible to a wide audience. The idea is that individuals could purchase multiple Cybercabs and manage them as a fleet, generating revenue through Tesla’s autonomous ride-sharing network. Musk likened this vision to that of a “shepherd” managing a flock, suggesting that robotaxis could become income-generating assets for their owners.
When asked when the Cybercab would be available, Musk confirmed that Tesla is starting with fully autonomous and unsupervised driving for its Model 3 and Model Y in Texas and California. However, the Cybercab itself is expected to enter production before 2027. Known for his optimistic forecasts, Musk has admitted that he sometimes underestimates timelines, recalling his 2019 prediction that Tesla would have more than a million robotaxis on the roads in the year, an objective which was not achieved.
When it comes to technology, the Cybercab uses AI and vision based systemsabandoning the use of radars and sensors like those employed by other autonomous vehicles, such as those from Waymo. This minimalist approach, according to Musk, allows Tesla to avoid the use of expensive equipment, which helps keep production costs low. One of the Cybercab’s standout features is its inductive chargingeliminating the need for a traditional charging port. This sleek silver vehicle also appears to borrow design elements from the Cybertruckwith upward-opening doors and the absence of a rear windshield.
Musk also revealed that he had directed Tesla to focus entirely on robotaxis earlier this year, building on the company’s small vehicle platform. The original plan was to unveil the Cybercab in August, but the event was postponed until October due to significant design changes requested by Musk to the front of the vehicle. This delay also allowed Tesla to prepare other product announcements.
The future will be streamed live
10/10, 7pm PT https://t.co/YJEjZIYoTA
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 9, 2024
Robovan
In addition to the CybercabMusk briefly presented another new vehicle: the Robovan. The Robovan, according to Musk, is designed to meet high-density transportation needs, capable of carrying up to 20 passengers or large quantities of cargo. It is intended for use in Tesla’s autonomous ride-sharing service, as well as for personal fleet management. Musk highlighted its potential to reduce transportation costs to 5-10 cents per mile (1.6 km) for group transportation. Ideal for large families, sports teams or, for example, sightseeing visits.
Robovan seats 20 & can be adapted to commercial or personal use – school bus, RV, cargo pic.twitter.com/CtjEfcaoHI
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
Elon Musk said:
Robovan is the solution for high density. If you want to take a sports team somewhere, or you really want to reduce the cost of travel to, I don’t know, 5 to 10 cents per mile, you can use the Robovan.
Again, no steering wheel or pedals. Better still, we don’t even see the wheels.
Optimus
Apart from vehicles, Musk also introduced the new version of the humanoid robot Tesla Optimuscapable of performing a range of daily tasks.
During the demonstrations, the Optimus robots demonstrated basic functions such as making hand signals, handing out gift bags, and playing “rock-paper-scissors” with participants. In one video, the humanoid robot was seen performing more practical tasks, like retrieving packages and watering plants. We even saw him discussing it with one of Tesla’s engineers.
A conversation between Tesla Optimus bot and a human is the best thing you’ll see on the internet today.
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) October 11, 2024
Whaaaaat.. pic.twitter.com/TAtHbVeILy
— Jack Farrington (@jackfarrington) October 11, 2024
Musk imagines that Optimus will be able to do almost anything, including walking dogs or mowing the lawn. He predicts it will eventually sell for $20,000 to $30,000 and believes it could become Tesla’s most significant product, even more transformative than its vehicles. Musk expects the robots to start performing “useful tasks” by the end of the year, with wider availability by the end of next year.
Optimus is your personal R2D2 / C3PO, but better
It will also transform physical labor in industrial settings pic.twitter.com/iCET3a9pd8
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
A Tesla 1 or 2 still relevant
The event did not unveil an affordable electric vehicle priced under $25,000. While some rumors announced a project that was simply canceled, Musk continues to assert that the development of this “cheap” electric vehicle is only delayed.
