Elon Musk reveals Cybercab, Tesla's latest robotaxi

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently unveiled the Cybercab, a prototype for the company's latest robotaxi, during the 'We, Robot' event in Burbank, California. The fully autonomous vehicle is engineered without a steering wheel or pedals, relying solely on artificial intelligence (AI) and cameras rather than the lidar technology commonly employed by other autonomous vehicle makers. The Cybercab is equipped with two gull-wing doors and can accommodate two passengers. It also features wireless, inductive charging, eliminating the need for traditional charging cables. Musk disclosed that the Cybercab would be priced under $30,000, with production slated for 2026, though potential delays could push the launch to 2027. The vehicle's operating costs are estimated to be around 20 cents per mile.

However, regulatory approval will be required due to the Cybercab’s unconventional design, which lacks traditional controls. Although autonomous vehicles have raised concerns regarding safety and reliability, Musk argued that self-driving cars could be 10 to 20 times safer than human-driven vehicles. He also highlighted the significant time savings passengers could experience by no longer needing to drive. Musk briefly introduced another vehicle, the Robovan, a larger autonomous van capable of carrying up to 20 passengers, but offered few additional details. In addition, Tesla is advancing development of a humanoid robot named Optimus, projected to be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, which could perform various tasks.

This announcement reflects Musk's broader strategy to shift Tesla’s focus from electric vehicle production toward AI and robotics. While investors have expressed concerns about the lack of concrete timelines for production, Tesla’s stock remains bolstered by Musk’s long-term vision for autonomous technology and its potential to reshape both the transportation industry and daily life.