Tesla's We, Robot Event: A Recap of the Exciting Cybercab and Robovan Unveils

Update: Tesla's "We, Robot" Event Wrap-Up

The "We, Robot" event at Tesla has drawn to a close, leaving fans and industry watchers with exciting revelations. Among the highlights, Tesla unveiled the Cybercab, an affordable two-seater autonomous vehicle priced under $30,000. In an unexpected showcase, CEO Elon Musk introduced the larger Robovan, capable of carrying up to 20 passengers. Notably, Anthony Levandowski, co-founder of Google’s self-driving car project, expressed robust support for Musk’s ambitions in a post-event interview.

For those eager to revisit the event, a full archive is available below, conveniently excluding the 53 minutes of techno music that preceded the main presentations. Alternatively, you can catch up by following our live blog from Thursday.

Tesla is known for its captivating showcases, and Thursday's Robotaxi reveal may have been its most spectacular yet.

The automaker hosted the unveiling of the much-anticipated Robotaxi at Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio in Burbank, California. Doors opened at 5 p.m. PT, with remarks kicking off at 7 p.m. PT.

Tesla streamed the "We, Robot" event live on X, the social platform owned by Musk, as well as on its YouTube channel. The decision to provide a YouTube backup is prudent, given the past technical difficulties with X’s livestreams. You can also keep up with our live event coverage here.

Musk first teased the Robotaxi initiative in April, initially setting August 8 for the reveal. However, this date was postponed due to "an important design change to the front."

Interestingly, the focus on the Robotaxi may have shifted attention away from Musk's previous commitment to develop a next-generation $25,000 electric vehicle. Shortly after announcing the Robotaxi, Musk made headlines by cutting more than 10% of Tesla’s workforce, declaring the company was going “balls to the wall for autonomy.”

Musk has been vocal about his ambitions for autonomous driving in Tesla vehicles. The company’s advanced driver-assistance system, dubbed Full Self-Driving (FSD), has faced scrutiny as it still necessitates human oversight. This reality has been reiterated through numerous drive-along videos shared by fans on social media.

When Musk introduced the concept of robotaxis in 2019, he envisioned existing Teslas operating as autonomous vehicles with simple software updates. This strategy aimed to allow Tesla owners to earn money from their cars when not in use. However, this vision has yet to materialize, and Musk has indicated that a fleet of dedicated robotaxis would serve areas lacking sufficient private vehicle availability.

As we look forward to the reveal, it appears the focus will be less about the autonomous technology and more about the vehicle's design. Musk has expressed interest in creating a robotaxi devoid of traditional steering wheels and pedals. Images previously released in Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography of Musk suggest a compact, two-seater design inspired by the Cybertruck.