Tesla's Big Night: A Closer Look at the Cybercab's AI

Tesla is set to unveil its much-talked-about robotaxi, dubbed the Cybercab, in a splashy event at a Hollywood studio. The event comes as the company tries to shift its image from an electric vehicle maker to a trailblazer in AI and robotics. But not everyone is convinced. Some industry experts are skeptical that Tesla has the technology to make a fully autonomous vehicle safe without human supervision. They argue that the company has been promising this for years, with little progress. The event may just showcase a car without a steering wheel and pedals, something other companies have already done. The challenge, they say, lies in developing a combination of hardware, software, and digital infrastructure that can handle real-world driving conditions safely. Tesla's past demonstrations haven't been reassuring, though the company maintains it's on the cusp of a breakthrough. Meanwhile, Tesla's core product lineup is aging, and the company is facing scrutiny over its driver-assist software, which has been linked to safety issues. CEO Elon Musk's political endorsements have also raised eyebrows, potentially affecting the brand among some buyers. Still, some analysts are optimistic about the event, expecting updates on the robotaxi, Full Self Driving system, and a new humanoid robot called Optimus. They believe this could be a turning point for Tesla. But regulators are keeping a close eye on Tesla's systems, with one fatal crash already under investigation. The company has had to recall its Full Self-Driving software after it was found to violate traffic laws.