Tesla has zatised the robotaxi calling feature in its app

Tesla

Tesla has provided an overview of an upcoming update to its mobile app that will include the ability to call a robotaxi. Previously, Elon Musk said that he will introduce the long-promised service as early as August.

Here's What We Know

Tesla showed off a series of screens of the future feature. The first one shows a large "Call" button and indicates the approximate wait time. The next screen displays a 3D map with a virtual model of the car en route to the customer.

While the passenger is waiting for the robotaxi to arrive, he will be able to adjust the temperature in the cabin, as well as see other useful information - waiting time, maximum capacity, etc. Once the car arrives, the interface will switch to displaying the route to the destination and provide additional options, such as music selection.

Overall, the app looks fairly standard for a ride-hailing service, not showing any features related to full vehicle autonomy.

Musk has long promised a Tesla robotaxi launch, suggesting that owners would be able to send their cars into autonomous mode to carry passengers and generate passive income. The concept was described in his "Master Plan" back in 2016.

However, as of now, Tesla's autopilot systems require a driver to be present at all times to monitor the situation on the road. The company has already faced lawsuits due to accidents while using these driver assistance systems.

In its latest financial report, Tesla said that the upcoming robotaxi will be a "purpose-built" vehicle designed entirely for autonomous driving without traditional controls. The company also intends to employ an innovative manufacturing strategy to assemble it.

Source: The Verge