Tesla starts testing robotaxis in Austin with no safety driver

Tesla has begun testing its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with no safety driver onboard, marking a significant step towards launching a fully commercial autonomous ride-sharing service. This move positions Tesla to compete with Waymo, with CEO Elon Musk predicting Tesla's success over its rival. Tesla's test fleet has experienced at least seven crashes since June, but details remain scarce due to the company's redactions in reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company has not disclosed a timeline for offering rides without a safety driver, though Musk hinted at a gradual rollout.