Tesla testing Robotaxi service in Phoenix
PHOENIX (NBC, KYMA) - Tesla is now testing its Robotaxi service in Phoenix, but some residents are still wary about the technology.
Waymo may be getting some competition as Tesla approved to start testing its Robotaxi service in Arizona.
Tesla rolled out the Robotaxi in Austin, in a small area so far, and Forbes reported Tesla has had three crashes, but few details.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks self-driving crashes, but information can be spotty.
In the database of Tesla incidents involving some sort of self-driving technology, many details are listed as redacted.
In Austin, Tesla's Robotaxis do have someone acting as a safety monitor, and in Phoenix, they'll have to start that way too.
"They've been really aggressive with doing this and they have got a pretty good technology. I'm not sure it's roadworthy enough yet for my likes, but they've been pushing hard on this," said Andrew Maynard, a self-driving car expert at Arizona State University.
Maynard says Waymo and Tesla use two different technologies as Waymo uses a combination of cameras, lidar and sensors, while Tesla only uses cameras, but the company says it's trained on the cameras of every Tesla on the road.
"Tesla have very intentionally gone the visual route and they have very good technology with their eight cameras at the moment around the car, but experts are really divided on this. There are a lot of people that are concerned that you cannot just do this with visual cameras," Maynard shared.
Because self-driving cars are not easy, and some companies have already folded.
Cruise was testing its cars in Arizona, but closed down after one of its cars dragged a woman in San Francisco. Uber stopped testing its cars in Phoenix after one of its cars hit and killed a woman crossing the street.
According to a survey by AAA, 13% of people trust self-driving cars. That's up from only 9% last year.
"I worked at a dealership and whenever my customers would get picked up by those Waymos...I've seen them almost cause an accident multiple times," said one Arizona resident.
"I just imagine a scenario where I'm locked in the car and it does not pull over. It does not stop," said another Arizona resident.
"I don't know, man. I would try one. We'll have to try one," said another Arizona resident.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment, and will still have to apply for a separate state permit if they want to start offering the Robotaxi as a service.
