Elon Musk reveals Tesla’s robotaxi, set for 2027, and introduces the Robovan and Optimus humanoid robots during a futuristic showcase in Los Angeles.
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]lon Musk has unveiled Tesla’s new robotaxi, a self-driving, fully electric vehicle priced under $30,000, without steering wheels or pedals.
Set to be available by 2027, Musk predicts it will be 10 to 20 times safer than human-driven cars. Tesla also debuted the “Robovan,” a mass passenger vehicle, and showcased humanoid robots called Optimus, designed for menial tasks and companionship. Musk provided few production details but expressed optimism about Tesla’s autonomous future.
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Elon Musk introduced Tesla’s long-awaited robotaxi during an event in Los Angeles, predicting it would be available by 2027, roughly a decade after first promising a self-driving vehicle.
The electric car, priced under $30,000, features no steering wheel or pedals and is designed to be “10 to 20 times safer” than human-driven vehicles, according to Musk.
It will be wirelessly charged using inductive technology, and its futuristic gullwing doors are reminiscent of the iconic DeLorean from Back to the Future.
Musk described the experience as akin to riding in a “comfortable little lounge,” where passengers can relax as the vehicle autonomously takes them to their destination.
Tesla has already produced 50 of these cars, which Musk hopes to begin rolling out in Texas and California by next year for “fully autonomous, unsupervised” driving.
The event also introduced the “Robovan,” a driverless vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, capable of seating 20 people or being used for cargo transport.
However, Musk did not provide timelines or specific production details for the Robovan.
In addition to these vehicles, Tesla showcased its Optimus humanoid robots. Musk claimed these robots could perform menial tasks and offer companionship, predicting them to become the biggest product ever, priced between $20,000 and $30,000. The robots, which walked amongst the audience and handed out drinks, were part of Tesla’s broader vision for a future driven by automation.
While some critics on social media were skeptical, dismissing Musk’s promises as overly ambitious, others expressed enthusiasm, predicting positive impacts on Tesla’s stock price. Despite the mixed reception, Musk remains confident about Tesla’s autonomous future.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
