Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, announced on Monday that he expects fully self-driving cars, operating without human safety monitors, to become more widespread across the United States later this year. This expansion follows their initial introduction in Texas. Speaking via video link at the Smart Mobility Summit in Tel Aviv, Musk stated that such vehicles are already operational in the Lone Star State and would be rolled out nationwide within the year.
Tesla's Robotaxi Rollout and Challenges
Despite these ambitious projections, Tesla, which has experienced a slowdown in vehicle sales, currently operates robotaxis in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, Reuters reporters who tested these services noted significant issues, including prolonged wait times, frequent unavailability, and drop-off locations often far from the rider's intended destination. Last November, Tesla secured a permit to operate a ride-hailing service in Arizona.
Safety Concerns and Recalls
Musk's announcement comes amid growing safety concerns. Tesla recently recalled 218,868 vehicles in the U.S. due to delayed rearview camera images, a defect that could heighten the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Similarly, Alphabet-owned Waymo last week recalled approximately 3,800 robotaxis in the United States after identifying a risk that vehicles could enter flooded roads at higher speeds.
Musk's Vision for Autonomous Future
Musk, known for making bold predictions about autonomous vehicles over the past decade that have frequently not materialized on his timelines, remains optimistic. "Five years from now and certainly 10 years from now ... probably 90% of all distance driven will be driven by the AI in a self-driving car," he predicted. "So overwhelmingly, it'll be quite a niche thing in 10 years to actually be driving your own car."
Other Ventures: SpaceX, Neuralink, and Humanoid Robots
Musk also used the summit to discuss his other ventures. He claimed his rocket and satellite company, SpaceX, is nearing the development of reusable rocket launch systems, a breakthrough he believes will significantly reduce the cost of space travel. "We might succeed in doing that this year," he said, adding, "When that technology is developed, that will be a fork in the road to human history, where we can become a space-bearing civilization."
Furthermore, Musk revealed that later this year, his brain implant company Neuralink plans its first implant with its Blindsight device. This technology aims to assist individuals born without sight or with impaired vision to see. "It will give them initially limited vision, but I think over time very precise vision, perhaps super, super human vision," he stated, noting the firm is also developing technology to enable paralyzed individuals to walk again.
Musk concluded by asserting that within a decade, humanoid robots will be "pretty much everywhere" and that their productivity will likely boost economic growth, leading to "universal high income."
