There has been a significant increase in fully automated concepts, such as taxis and shopping, in recent times. Amazon has implemented this with its automated stores, which automatically charge your account when you walk out the front door. Recently, Waymo has been leading the way in the automated taxi industry, with various content creators and celebrities showcasing their services. Additionally, Tesla has attempted to enter the market with its robotaxi. However, a recent video from Austin, Texas, suggests that it may not yet be ready for the streets.
A YouTube video from Tesla Daily showcases a complete ride in a Tesla robotaxi. The person recording is seated in the backseat while another man sits in the passenger’s seat, ideally to ensure that there are no issues should any arise. While everything about the ride goes very smoothly, there is a single point where it doesn’t. At one point, the self-driving Tesla comes across an intersection and needs to turn left at the following. Instead of waiting behind the car in front of it and turning when appropriate, the Tesla begins to sway from side to side.
After a short few seconds, the car finally repositions itself in the lane it had intended to be in. However, to get there, it drove on the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. Thankfully, there weren’t any cars in the way, though had there been, I can’t imagine the resulting crash would have been very pretty. One person in the comment really makes this known, saying, “That’s a clear intersection with clear markings. That’s legitimately a rough look.”
There have already been a few instances where drivers have wanted to get the robotaxi off Austin streets due to various testings that have happened. However, with this footage, it seems that the car manufacturer has no intention of ensuring that those who use the robotaxi will be safe.
