Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that his company will roll out its long-touted Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, later this month.
The operations begin on June 22, with the first fully driverless ride scheduled for June 28, which happens to be Musk’s birthday.
The news, shared by Musk on X, marks a significant step in Tesla’s ambition to replace human drivers with artificial intelligence.
Musk said he plans to fly from Los Angeles to Austin for the launch.
It will kick off with a limited rollout in a city that has quickly become ground zero for AI-driven transportation experiments.
In a social media post, Musk claimed that Tesla is being “super paranoid” about safety.
He also cautioned that the schedule could shift if needed.
The company plans to begin with just 10 to 20 vehicles—modified Model Y SUVs.
The cars are running on what Musk described as a new version of Tesla’s “unsupervised” Full Self-Driving (FSD) software.
To reassure the public, Tesla released a short clip showing one of its Robotaxis stopping at an intersection in Austin to let pedestrians cross.
WATCH:
BREAKING: First ever Tesla Model Y robotaxi with no-one in the drivers seat spotted testing on public roads in Austin, Texas!
Tesla’s new “Robotaxi” wordmark/logo is on the side of the vehicle. https://t.co/IhEzPx5PIb pic.twitter.com/zq4ZmiMqDg
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 10, 2025
This basic safety function is now presented as a selling point for vehicles that will operate without a human behind the wheel.
The Model Y vehicles, emblazoned with a graffiti-style “Robotaxi” logo, will be geofenced to operate only in specific areas during the trial phase.
According to Tesla, company staff will remotely monitor the vehicles to address any real-time issues.
However, this detail raises questions about what “autonomous” really means.
The futuristic “CyberCab,” which Musk has hinted will resemble something out of a sci-fi movie, is not part of this launch.
This vehicle isn’t expected until 2026.
In a recent CNBC interview, Musk described the program as “small” for now, but it’s clear the intent is mass expansion.
That plan comes with serious implications for everyday working Americans, including those in the transportation industry.
While Musk has built a loyal following for pushing back on government overreach and speaking out against censorship, critics note that Tesla’s embrace of AI-powered automation still fits within the broader agenda of tech consolidation.
It comes as Big Tech increasingly dictates how people move, work, and interact.
The Robotaxi service also comes amid growing concerns about AI surveillance, algorithmic control, and the potential sidelining of human decision-making in areas that directly impact public safety and employment.
Tesla insists it’s moving cautiously.
But with corporate-controlled driverless cars hitting the streets, some Americans are asking the right questions: Who’s really in control, and where is this headed?
READ MORE – Elon Musk Says He ‘Regrets’ Negative Posts About Trump: ‘Went Too Far’
