Robotaxi testing prototype continues to capture attention, with the latest sighting in California ahead of its 10/10 launch. Tesla’s Model 3 prototype has been spotted once again in California, and it’s creating quite a buzz.
This time, the prototype comes with a new feature, including the absence of traditional side mirrors and more cameras. Here’s everything you need to know.
Tesla Model 3 Prototype Testing Spree
In the series of updates on the Robotaxi prototype sightings in California, here’s the latest bit with new pictures doing the rounds on social media.
The Reddit user who originally saw the prototype and shared the pictures, said that he saw the vehicle twice. He said the first one he saw looked like a standard Model 3 EV. He even asked the driver of the testing vehicle if he was allowed to tell if they were testing anything. But the driver politely denied to comment anything.
I’ve seen two engineering vehicles in the past week running the exact same route
byu/Shoddy_Expert8108 inteslamotors
He said that the second time he saw a radar type of sensor on the top of the EV with all different cameras. He said that it looked like they were testing it for Robotaxi.
The sighting of the radar system and new camera placements signals that Tesla is likely ramping up its autonomous driving tests ahead Robotaxi/Cybercab launch.
Mirrorless Design: Why Tesla’s Ditching Side Mirrors?
One of the most noticeable features of the prototype is the missing side mirrors. Instead of the traditional mirrors, Tesla has replaced them with cameras like we shared earlier in our posts. Read here
Close Look at Tesla Model 3 Prototype Without Mirrors Stirs Buzz About Robotaxi and Cybercab
But, is having no side mirrors useful? Yes & No. Electric vehicles need all the efficiency they can get, and cutting down on aerodynamic drag can make a real difference in extending battery range.
On top of that, these cameras give a wider, clearer view than regular mirrors, reducing blind spots and making driving safer. It’s not just a cosmetic change but part of a bigger plan to make cars smarter and safer.
Although, it’s going to be difficult for Tesla as there are ongoing issues with regulations.
More Cameras and Sensors
The camera replacements aren’t the only new update on this Model 3 prototype. The Reddit user also noticed new cameras on the front bumper and a set of sensors on the roof. This extra equipment seems designed to help Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Another Reddit user shared a similar sensor picture of the testing vehicle spotted in the Bay Area.
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byu/Shoddy_Expert8108 from discussion
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The cameras and sensors are crucial for giving the car a 360-degree view of its surroundings. They help the vehicle “see” everything, which is key to making autonomous driving safe and reliable. The sensors like these will allow the EV to detect objects, traffic, and other obstacles in real-time, effectively.
The Brains Behind Tesla’s Self-Driving Dreams
Of course, these cameras and sensors are only part of the puzzle. Tesla’s secret sauce is in its artificial intelligence tech, which processes the data collected by these sensors and cameras.
Tesla’s AI can make quick decisions based on what’s happening around the car, whether it’s spotting another vehicle, reading road signs, or adjusting speed in heavy traffic.
The more data the AI collects, the smarter and more intuitive the vehicle becomes. It’s like the car is learning as it drives, constantly improving. This may be why we are hearing about a lot of sightings of Robotaxi testing vehicles doing the rounds.
Robotaxi and CyberCab
All these updates point to Tesla’s big dream of launching a fleet of autonomous Robotaxis/Cybercab. Elon Musk has talked about this time and again.
A network of fully self-driving cars you can hail with an app, like Uber but without a human driver with all fancy tech inside. The Model 3’s new sensors and radar tech suggest Tesla is getting closer to making it happen.
Then there’s the possibility of a CyberCab, which could change urban transportation.
The idea behind CyberCab is to offer affordable, on-demand rides in busy cities, reducing the need for personal car ownership. It’s a move that could make cities less congested, more eco-friendly, and cheaper to get around.
What To Expect In The Future?
The updates on Tesla’s Model 3 prototype are clear signs of where the whole car industry is headed. As Tesla fine-tunes its mirrorless design and improves its AI tech, we’re getting a sneak peek into Tesla’s autonomous future where autonomous vehicles are the norm.
For drivers, this means smarter, safer cars that can do more of the work for you. If Tesla’s Robotaxi or CyberCab services take off, it could also shift how we think about transportation. Instead of owning a car, you could just call one whenever you need it.
With cameras instead of mirrors, new sensors, and advanced AI, it’s clear that Tesla is on a mission to go big on autonomous driving. As the tech gets better and regulatory approval catches up, Tesla’s Robotaxi and CyberCab services could change the whole automobile game.
For now, Tesla’s working out the kinks, but if this prototype is any indication, we might not be far from a sooner reality where fully sel-driven EVs are driving us around. What do you think?
