On Sunday, June 22, Tesla is taking a big step into the world of autonomous mobility by officially launching its highly-awaited Robotaxi service. This electric vehicle pioneer that has always been pushing the envelope when it comes to automotive innovation seems to be preparing to start translating this imagination into reality, since fully autonomous vehicles, that do not have a driver in the front seat, have been spotted in the streets of Austin, Texas.
A recent internal look at Tesla Robotaxi User Interface (UI) has appeared, demonstrating how the company designs this interface and prepares it to be used by passengers. Most promising of all, there are the Emergency Stop and Pull Over buttons that take over the interface, implying that Tesla is focused on rider safety and manual intervention possibilities in case of an autonomous-mode failure.
Emergency Controls Take Center Stage
In what appears to be a UI meant for internal testing, the biggest, most noticeable buttons are made in an encoding that indicates urgency:
- Emergency Stop 🟥
- Pull Over 🟧
Robotaxi first look at the current developers UI. pic.twitter.com/zYuPQyK2y1
— Nikola Brussels (@NikolaBrussels) June 18, 2025
This is a color-coded scheme so by universal design, the red will mean action now, ow and the orange will mean caution. It appears that Tesla is also trying not to deprive passengers of some control and safety, even though they will not get the standard steering wheel and pedals. Tesla is openly addressing society with its concern about the safety of autonomous systems by providing users with enormous, undeniable safety options.
Although the complete interface is not shown to the masses yet, with only high-contrast action buttons and very minimal design, it is quite likely that Tesla is simply trying to make the interface quick to comprehend and use on a basic level.
Driverless Test Vehicles Already on the Road
In recent weeks, several Tesla cars, without drivers behind the wheel, have been observed in Austin doing laps. There was no one at the steering wheel of these vehicles, but only a passenger in the back. The sightings are a transformation to actual conditions and real-world applications and show that the company is assured of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.
BREAKING!!! Spotted another Tesla Robotaxi with @JohnChr08117285 today in Austin! It’s happening!!!@SawyerMerritt @WholeMarsBlog pic.twitter.com/3a33ULwEU2
— Muzeïshen (@Muzeishen) June 18, 2025
Though Tesla’s FSD suite has been in development and beta testing for years, the launch of a true Robotaxi service marks its most ambitious deployment yet. Tesla’s FSD suite has been in development and beta testing for years, and the launch of a true Robotaxi service marks its most ambitious deployment yet.
Confirmation from Tesla Executive
Omead Afshar, an executive of Tesla, confirmed the launch of the Robotaxi service a few hours ago and clarified that it will happen this month, and the first ride will be available on Sunday, June 22. This correlates with previous forecasts by the CEO, Elon Musk, and Tesla has developed an interest in AI, autonomy, and next-generation mobility in the past.
Robotaxi launch is not only a new source of income to Tesla, but it is a vital demonstration in its overall plan regarding sustainable and autonomous transportation.
Conclusion
Sunday’s launch will be closely watched by analysts, regulators, and the public. Key questions remain:
- How will he perform in the real world?
- What will be the Tesla pricing model?
- Will other cities follow Austin’s lead?
As much as we have yet to learn, this is one thing we do know, and that is that the Robotaxi service that Tesla promised us some time in the future is a reality, and it is coming this weekend.
