The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an inquiry into Tesla's newly launched robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, following the release of videos showing the vehicles violating traffic laws. The footage, shared widely on social media, depicts Tesla's self-driving cars, which are central to CEO Elon Musk's vision for the company's future, behaving erratically on public roads.

Launch and Initial Reactions

Tesla's robotaxi service, which debuted over the weekend, was initially rolled out with a limited fleet of about 12 vehicles. These cars, equipped with safety drivers in the passenger seat, were tested in a controlled area of Austin. Despite Musk's praise for the launch as a culmination of a decade's work, the event was low-key, attended by a select group of analysts, influencers, and shareholders.

Safety Concerns and NHTSA's Response

The NHTSA has confirmed it is aware of the incidents and is in contact with Tesla to gather more information. Videos from the launch show the robotaxis struggling with real-world scenarios, such as abruptly stopping near a parked police car and veering into incorrect lanes. The agency emphasized that it does not pre-approve new technologies but investigates potential safety defects post-launch.

Tesla's Unique Approach to Autonomous Driving

Unlike its competitors, Tesla's autonomous vehicles rely solely on in-car cameras rather than the radar and sensors used by companies like Waymo and Zoox. This approach, Musk argues, will ultimately be more cost-effective and appealing to consumers. However, the recent incidents have raised questions about the safety and readiness of Tesla's technology.

Market Competition and Future Prospects

Tesla faces stiff competition from established players like Waymo and Zoox, which already offer self-driving taxi services in multiple U.S. cities. While fully driverless cars have logged millions of miles globally, the debate over their safety compared to human-driven vehicles continues.