{
  "id": 5513365,
  "title": "Tesla Launches Steering-Wheel-Free Cybercab Robotaxi In Austin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/tesla-launches-steering-wheel-free-cybercab-robotaxi-in-austin-5513365",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-04T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Slashdot",
    "slug": "slashdot",
    "url": "https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/09/04/0427208/tesla-launches-steering-wheel-free-cybercab-robotaxi-in-austin"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tesla has started providing public rides in Austin with its innovative Cybercab, a two-seater robotaxi that lacks a steering wheel or pedals. Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's Vice President of AI, announced that anyone can take rides and the service is open to the entire public. Previously, the fleet comprised only Model Y vehicles. According to Texas records, Tesla had registered 45 Cybercabs as of Thursday, although the company has not disclosed the current number of vehicles carrying passengers. Tesla aims to make these vehicles affordable for consumers, with a target price under $30,000. Videos shared online by Tesla influencers showcased the Cybercab's features. Users could hail the car using the Robotaxi app, open the butterfly doors through the app, and have them close automatically once inside, as reported by Business Insider. The launch follows Tesla's initial unveiling of the Cybercab at its \"We, Robot\" event in Burbank, California, nearly two years ago.",
  "summary": "Tesla has begun offering public rides in Austin in its purpose-built Cybercab, a two-seat robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals. \"You can go outside, take rides,\" said Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's VP of AI. \"Anyone can take rides. It's open to the entire public.\" Previously, the fleet consisted only of Model Ys. Texas records show Tesla had registered 45 Cybercabs as of Thursday, though the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Insider",
        "title": "Tesla launches steering-wheel-free Cybercab robotaxi in Austin",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/tesla-launches-steering-wheel-free-cybercab-robotaxi-in-austin",
        "published": "2026-09-04T04:02:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}