Tesla Robotaxi Event: Viewing Information and Expectations

Tesla is preparing to unveil its self-driving robotaxi, a specially designed autonomous vehicle intended to reestablish the company’s prominence in artificial intelligence and robotics.

The robotaxi will be introduced at Warner Bros. movie studios in Burbank, California, where Tesla has reportedly been gathering new mapping data in anticipation of the event. The company has a significant task ahead to demonstrate its capability to deploy a driverless vehicle that can challenge competitors like Waymo and Cruise. During the event, Elon Musk is expected to present his concept for the Tesla Network, which envisions Tesla owners incorporating their autonomous vehicles into a robotaxi fleet when not in use.

The initial plan for unveiling the robotaxi was set for August, but Musk postponed the reveal to October 10th to allocate additional time for working on the prototype. Speculation suggests that there may be other surprises unveiled, such as a more affordable Tesla model, a potential reveal of the rumored “Juniper” Model Y, or perhaps a self-driving van.

Tesla has sent out invitations to the event titled “We, Robot,” a nod to Isaac Asimov’s notable work, “I, Robot.” This could imply that updates on the company’s humanoid Optimus robot will also be shared. However, more details will only be revealed during the livestream, as only a select number of individuals, including investors and influencers, have been invited.

The “We, Robot” robotaxi event is scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, at 10 PM ET / 9 PM CT / 7 PM PT. Tesla will host a livestream of the event on X, and certain shareholders will attend after being selected through a raffle.

Since 2019, Musk has articulated that vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving capabilities would eventually have the potential to generate income for their owners by operating independently on a “Tesla Network” to transport people. He had promised that “a million” such robotaxis would be operational by 2020, though that goal has been postponed. Despite its Level 2 driver-assist system’s abilities, Tesla has yet to demonstrate that its vehicles can operate without a driver solely using a camera-based vision system. Competitors, in contrast, utilize multiple redundant sensors, including lidar. The robotaxi, reportedly a two-seater with butterfly doors, will complement privately owned vehicles integrated into the Tesla Network.

A yellow vehicle with heavy camouflage suspected to include more than cameras was spotted, indicating that Tesla may have acquired lidar sensors from Luminar to support robotaxi testing. Musk has previously described lidars as a “crutch” for autonomous vehicles, maintaining that the camera-based Tesla Vision system is the optimal path forward.

The success of Tesla’s robotaxi initiative is critical as Musk shifts the company’s focus towards robotics and autonomous systems amid a downturn in EV sales.

Additionally, the humanoid Optimus robot is also expected to receive attention during this event. This robot is intended to perform “useful tasks” by the end of the year, with Musk suggesting it might be available for purchase by late 2025. While these aims are ambitious, an update on Optimus is anticipated, aligning with the event’s theme, “We, Robot.”

There is also a possibility that Tesla may introduce a more affordable Tesla model. Musk recently mentioned that a new, less expensive Tesla model is under consideration, potentially aiming to meet the market demand for affordable electric vehicles and to compete with lower-cost Chinese EVs. Tesla could alternatively choose to release a more affordable Model 3, following the discontinuation of the standard range Model 3, previously its cheapest vehicle under $40,000.

Historically, Tesla has delivered unexpected announcements, such as the unveiling of the new Tesla Roadster at the Tesla Semi event in 2017. Although the Roadster has not yet been produced, Musk asserts that production will begin next year. An update on the forecasted “Juniper” redesign of the Model Y might also be provided.

However, the robotaxi will be the focal point of the event, with significant emphasis on its future, as articulated by Musk.

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