At the much-buzzed-about We, Robot event in California, Tesla unveiled a vision of a future where steering wheels are mere relics of the past. The star attraction? The Cybercab, a sleek, futuristic robotaxi stripped of both steering wheel and pedals, designed to glide through city streets with nothing but advanced sensors and AI at the helm. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, took to the stage with characteristic bravado, underscoring the promise of a fully autonomous world.
The event, hosted at the Warner Brothers Discovery studios, felt more like a scene from a science-fiction film than a tech showcase. Fifty autonomous vehicles, including 20 Cybercabs and 30 Model Ys, were poised to transport attendees through a driverless dreamscape. For Musk, the implications are significant—he asserted that robotaxis could not only transform on-demand transportation but also reduce urban congestion and cut emissions. However, when it came to specifics—such as the Cybercab’s range, battery life, or production schedule—Musk was less forthcoming. What he did confirm was Tesla’s goal to roll out a commercial robotaxi service within the next year, with plans for consumers to purchase a Tesla Cybercab for under $30,000. He mentioned that the company aims to begin production of the Cybercab before 2027.
In parallel to the Cybercab’s unveiling, Tesla is doubling down on its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, with plans to broaden the beta program to more U.S. cities and states. Musk’s confidence in reaching level 5 autonomy, where cars navigate the world without any human input, was palpable. Each software update, he assured the audience, edges Tesla closer to that audacious goal.
The Cybercab wasn’t the only futuristic innovation showcased. Tesla also introduced the Robovan, a fully autonomous delivery vehicle designed for urban logistics. Its absence of a driver’s cabin maximizes cargo space and features a modular interior that can accommodate up to 20 passengers as well as various types of deliveries, from parcels to groceries. Additionally, it was mentioned that both the Cybercab and Robovan would utilize inductive charging, allowing these autonomous vehicles to approach a charging station without needing to plug in.
Tesla highlighted its humanoid robot, Optimus, serving drinks at a bar and engaging with attendees on site. Although still under development, this robot hinted at potential uses in both factories and homes, reflecting the company’s broader ambitions beyond electric vehicles. The message was clear: Tesla envisions a future that includes not just cars but also AI-driven robots.
Despite the high-tech allure of the Cybercab, Musk didn’t let the Cybertruck fade into the background. He confirmed that production on Tesla’s rugged electric pickup would commence later this year, adding yet another tantalizing prospect to Tesla’s rapidly expanding roster of futuristic vehicles.
With the Cybercab, advancements in FSD, and Tesla’s wider AI ambitions, the company is positioning itself as the harbinger of a world in which technology, autonomy, and innovation are not just aspirations but realities taking shape before our very eyes. In the end, the We, Robot event was more than a showcase of Tesla’s latest innovations; it was a powerful assertion of what the future could look like under Musk’s vision. As he so confidently declared, “We’re building the future—one autonomous vehicle, one robot, one innovation at a time.”
