Tesla's Upcoming Robotaxi Event: What to Anticipate

Tesla's highly anticipated Robotaxi event, titled We, Robot, is just days away. Scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, the event has created quite a buzz. Invitations were recently distributed to a select group of shareholders who won the raffle, and attendees should receive their tickets just a couple of days before the event.

The event will take place at a fitting location: the Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This sprawling 110-acre studio lot, known for housing some of the biggest movie and TV productions, will set the stage for what Tesla has in store.

What We Know So Far

Tesla has been preparing meticulously in the weeks leading up to the event. Significant data collection has occurred in the areas surrounding the studio, with FSD (Full Self-Driving) vehicles spotted gathering real-world driving data. Additionally, prototype Robotaxi vehicles have been sighted, camouflaged, but clearly running test routes around the studio premises.

What’s more, Tesla has also been collecting FSD data across key areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. A few intriguing spots, such as the Tesla Diner in Hollywood, were among the areas where Robotaxi Mules—special test vehicles outfitted with cameras—were seen gathering crucial data. These efforts are believed to be part of refining Tesla’s FSD capabilities before the official reveal of their Robotaxi.

The buzz around the event has also been fueled by leaks and fan renderings of what is expected to be Tesla’s Cybercab. We've also caught wind of patents for Robotaxi-specific features, such as autonomous sanitization systems and, perhaps most exciting, wireless EV charging technology.

What to Expect from the Event

Speculation is high, and fans are eager to see what Tesla unveils. While nothing is set in stone, here’s what we anticipate:

The Robotaxi is expected to be a small, efficient vehicle, likely a compact two-seater with four wheels. Though some early speculation suggested a three-wheeled design, it appears Tesla has opted for a more conventional four-wheel configuration. Trunk space for passengers’ luggage is expected to be included, with the overall size likely smaller than a Model 3, but with a similar design language.

Tesla is known for focusing on simplicity and functionality, and the Robotaxi will likely reflect that. Don’t expect flashy features like rotating seats or large interior screens. Instead, we’ll probably see a single central display, much like what’s found in the Model 3. The user interface (UI) will likely be streamlined and centered around the needs of passengers, such as displaying their ETA and fare.

There’s also a strong chance that Tesla will unveil its latest FSD hardware, possibly Hardware 5, which is expected to power the fully autonomous driving capabilities of the Robotaxi fleet. This hardware is likely to include advanced redundancy features, which are essential for operating a large autonomous vehicle network safely.

Live Demonstrations & Interaction

Attendees will likely be treated to a keynote speech by Elon Musk and Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Director of Autopilot Software. Following that, there may be virtual demonstrations showcasing the Robotaxi in action, including features like the summoning function through the Tesla app.

It’s unclear whether Tesla will launch its Robotaxi network with Tesla-owned vehicles, privately owned Robotaxis, or a mix of both. However, we expect more details about the business model and rollout plan to be revealed at the event.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the day will be the hands-on experience. Attendees may get the chance to interact with the Robotaxi, possibly using the Tesla app to summon one on-site and take a test ride around the studio lot. This will give everyone a closer look at the vehicle and its unique features.

Other Surprises in Store?

While the focus will undoubtedly be on the Robotaxi, Tesla is known for dropping surprises during these events. Wireless charging for EVs has been hinted at, and this could be a game-changing reveal. There may also be other innovations related to fleet management, autonomous driving, or even new accessories for existing Tesla vehicles.

We still don’t know everything about what Tesla has up its sleeve, but expectations are sky-high.

For those attending, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. If you’ve secured a ticket, we’d love to hear from you, especially if you have a +1. This is one event no Tesla fan will want to miss!