Tesla's Unmanned Robotaxi Milestone: Musk and AI Director Share 'Perfect Driving' Experiences

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and AI Director Ashok Elluswamy have shared their personal experiences with Tesla's Robotaxi vehicles operating without a safety monitor or occupant in the driver's seat. These demonstrations, conducted around Austin, Texas, signal significant advancements in Tesla's pursuit of fully autonomous ride-hailing services.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla is rapidly progressing towards unsupervised Robotaxi operations.

• Both Musk and Elluswamy reported positive experiences with unmanned vehicles.

• These tests suggest a near-term future for driverless taxis in Austin.

Unoccupied Robotaxi Rides

Elon Musk took to social media on Christmas Eve to describe his experience riding in a Tesla with no safety monitor and himself in the passenger seat. He reported "perfect driving" as the vehicle navigated the streets of Austin. This personal endorsement follows earlier social media sightings of unmanned Teslas on public roads.

Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's AI Director, also shared a video from the back seat of an unoccupied Robotaxi. He described the experience as "amazing," showcasing the vehicle's smooth handling through real-world traffic with no one in the driver's position.

Towards Unsupervised Operations

These recent demonstrations align with Elon Musk's previous statements regarding the timeline for unsupervised Robotaxi operations. Earlier in December, Musk indicated that Tesla would be removing safety monitors from its Robotaxis in Austin within approximately three weeks, stating that "unsupervised is pretty much solved at this point."

Musk has reiterated similar timelines at previous company events, including the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting and the Q3 2025 earnings call. The successful tests by Musk and Elluswamy suggest that Tesla is on track to achieve its goal of deploying fully driverless Robotaxis in Austin in the near future, a remarkable feat considering the service's recent launch.

Implications for Autonomous Driving

The progress highlighted by these unmanned rides underscores Tesla's commitment to advancing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. The ability for vehicles to navigate complex urban environments without human intervention is a critical step towards widespread adoption of autonomous ride-sharing services. The company's continuous development and testing in real-world conditions are paving the way for a future where Robotaxis could become a common mode of transportation.