Tesla has reignited the discussion around autonomous vehicle safety after releasing footage of its Cybercab completing a public road test in Austin, Texas—without a steering wheel or pedals. The vehicle, which relies entirely on self-driving technology, carried only a safety monitor inside, prompting fresh questions about liability and public trust.
The video, shared by CEO Elon Musk, shows the Cybercab navigating city streets using Tesla’s camera-based autonomous system. First unveiled in 2024, the Cybercab is designed exclusively for robotaxi service, featuring a minimalist passenger display instead of a traditional dashboard. Tesla already operates robotaxi trials in Austin with Model Y vehicles, and this test signals a move toward dedicated autonomous fleets.
Reactions on social media have been mixed. Supporters praised the technological leap, calling it a glimpse of the future. Critics, however, voiced safety concerns—wondering how the vehicle would handle emergencies, software glitches, or cyberattacks. Many asked whether a safety monitor could intervene in time, and who would be liable in an accident involving a fully driverless car.
The debate unfolds as U.S. regulators consider a proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that could eliminate the requirement for brake pedals in fully autonomous vehicles. If passed, the rule would clear a path for companies like Tesla to deploy robotaxis without traditional controls.
Tesla faces stiff competition from Waymo and Cruise, both of which use additional sensors like lidar and radar. Each company takes a different technical approach to safe autonomy. The Cybercab test underscores both the promise and the hurdles of driverless technology, with public confidence and clear safety regulations remaining critical barriers to widespread adoption.