Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has unveiled its first fleet of self-driving robotaxis in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step in its pursuit of autonomous vehicle technology. The pilot initiative began on Sunday, featuring a limited number of driverless Teslas offering rides to paying customers; each ride is available for $4.20, as confirmed by CEO Elon Musk.

Highlights of the Launch

• Ten vehicles were deployed in a restricted area around South Congress.

• Rides included a front-seat safety monitor in place of a driver.

• Tesla influencers shared live experiences of their ride on social media.

Musk referred to this launch as the “culmination of a decade of hard work,” emphasizing that the company built its AI software and chip teams entirely in-house. Tesla views robotaxis as a critical revenue generator for the future, intending to scale its autonomous technology for wider market use.

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