Tesla launches robotaxi service in Miami

Tesla launched an unsupervised robotaxi service in Miami on Friday, deploying vehicles that operate on the company’s self-driving software to offer ride-hailing in the city.

Tesla’s robotaxi account on X posted: “Robotaxi now available in Miami.” The company began an unsupervised program in Austin in June and has since added vehicles in Dallas and Houston. Tesla also operates a rideshare service in the San Francisco Bay Area.

State registration filings under new Texas rules show Tesla operates 42 robotaxis in Texas. By comparison, Waymo has registered 577 automated vehicles in the state, a fleet more than 13 times larger than Tesla’s active presence in Texas.

Tesla said in April it was preparing to expand robotaxi operations to five additional cities. Elon Musk has predicted fully self-driving vehicles without human safety monitors will become more common across the United States later this year.

The Miami deployment is part of Tesla’s effort to commercialize its self-driving software and develop revenue tied to artificial intelligence and robotics. Competition in autonomous ride-hailing is increasing as Waymo and Zoox expand their services in multiple markets.

Tesla reported second-quarter vehicle deliveries that exceeded Wall Street expectations, citing stronger demand in Europe. The company’s stock fell after the results. Tesla continues to add robotaxi markets while monitoring regulatory and safety requirements that vary by jurisdiction.