Elon Musk recently showcased a groundbreaking robotaxi with gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals at a high-profile event in Los Angeles, marking a shift in Tesla’s focus from low-cost mass-market vehicles to robotics manufacturing. Musk introduced the “Cybercab,” set to enter production in 2026 with a target price of under $30,000 (R525,000). He estimated that operating costs would be approximately 20 cents (R3.50) per mile, with inductive charging requiring no physical plugs.
Musk emphasized that the Cybercab, along with a new Robovan designed to carry up to 20 passengers, relies solely on artificial intelligence and cameras, avoiding the additional hardware used by competitors in the robotaxi space. “The autonomous future is here,” he declared, aiming to position Tesla as an AI robotics company rather than just an automaker.
The event, titled “We, Robot,” featured fully autonomous vehicles, including Model Ys and the new Cybercab. Attendees included investors, stock analysts, and Tesla enthusiasts, though many were left wanting more concrete timelines and details on production ramp-up and regulatory approval. “Everything looks cool, but not much in terms of timelines,” said Dennis Dick, an equity trader expressing disappointment at the lack of definitive information.
Musk’s ambitious plan includes allowing individual Tesla owners to monetize their vehicles by listing them as robotaxis through an app. He also introduced Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, reinforcing the company’s shift towards a robotics-focused future. Despite the excitement, Musk’s past promises regarding timelines for operational robotaxis have faced skepticism, especially after 2019’s claims of imminent deployment. Tesla is currently facing challenges, including potential declines in vehicle deliveries this year amid high interest rates and stiff competition.
Musk’s reliance on cameras and AI for full self-driving (FSD) technology, rather than more expensive lidar systems, is a key part of Tesla’s strategy to keep costs manageable. While Musk announced expectations for unsupervised FSD operations in Texas and California next year, details on whether the robotaxis will incorporate new technology remain unclear. As Tesla navigates the complexities of the autonomous vehicle market, the road ahead is filled with both opportunities and challenges.
In other news – Tebogo Thobejane’s strip club shuts down after only one week of operation
Actress and entrepreneur Tebogo Thobejane has encountered another setback in her business pursuits, as her newly opened strip club, C30, in Sandton, Johannesburg, has shut down after only a week of operation. This closure marks the second time Thobejane has faced challenges in the clubbing industry.
After spending a year in Dubai due to security concerns, Tebogo returned to South Africa with hopes of reviving her business ventures. Read More
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