Tesla's robotaxi debut will be invite-only and have a lot of teleoperators, an analyst says. Here's what that could mean.

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is set to launch its robotaxi service in Austin, which will be invite-only and feature a limited fleet of 10 to 20 cars, with a significant presence of teleoperators to ensure safety during operations [1][2]. Group 1: Robotaxi Launch Details - The robotaxis will operate on public roads and will be invite-only, with many teleoperators available to manage safety [2]. - The initial fleet size for the pilot launch is expected to be low, specifically between 10 to 20 vehicles [1]. - Tesla has not yet announced a specific launch date for the robotaxi service [2]. Group 2: Teleoperation and Safety - Teleoperators will have the ability to take some level of control over the robotaxis, particularly in situations where the autonomous system encounters difficulties [2][5]. - This approach differs from companies like Waymo and Zoox, where remote workers can only provide guidance rather than direct control of the vehicle [3]. - Concerns exist within the industry regarding the safety implications of teleoperations, with some experts highlighting potential risks associated with remote control capabilities [9]. Group 3: Historical Context and Delays - Tesla's robotaxi launch has faced multiple delays, with CEO Elon Musk previously making ambitious claims about the timeline for full autonomy and robotaxi availability [10][11]. - Musk had projected that Tesla would have over 1 million robotaxis by the end of 2020, a target that was not met [11].