A Father's Experience: Sending His Daughter to School in a Tesla Robotaxi
One father in a foreign country decided to try something new: sending his daughter to school in a Tesla unmanned taxi. He traded in his usual Ford F150 and embarked on a unique experience with his daughter, Eiffel.
Utilizing the Robotaxi
The father used a mobile app to track the Robotaxi as it approached their home. He noted that his daughter would potentially be the first student in the entire school district to commute via robotaxi. The app provided crucial information, including instructions on how to open the Tesla's hidden door handle. When the car arrived, flashing lights and the license plate number were displayed, ensuring they entered the correct vehicle.
The Robotaxi Arrives
A Tesla Model Y soon appeared. Eiffel easily opened the car door by pressing the wide edge of the door handle as instructed by the app. Inside, the back screen displayed a welcome message and prompted her to fasten her seatbelt. After buckling up, Eiffel excitedly pressed the button on the screen to begin the ride.
The "Security Guard" and Legal Requirements
While the system handles the driving, a "security guard" occupies the driver's seat. This is due to California's legal requirements, which mandate a security guard in the driver's seat for unmanned taxis. Texas, however, does not have this requirement. These varying traffic laws highlight the lack of uniformity across different states in the United States.
Navigating the School District
The Robotaxi smoothly began its journey, facing its first challenge: navigating a complex school district. The area had a low speed limit, and was filled with children and parents. The presence of cars stopping in the opposite direction created further challenges for the automatic driving system.
Route Planning and Potential Delays
The Robotaxi performed flawlessly, accurately recognizing and avoiding obstacles. However, the system's chosen route surprised the father. Instead of using the community roads they typically used, it opted for a wider main road. While this route, planned by Google Maps, was safer, it also meant the trip might take longer, increasing the risk of Eiffel being late.
Entertainment Features
To pass the time while waiting at traffic lights, Eiffel explored the rear-view screen's entertainment features. With access to Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube, the car transformed into a mobile entertainment room. Her father mused on the future of travel for children, with options including buses, family pickups, and Robotaxis. He even suggested a one-click order function for Starbucks on the screen.
Smooth Transitions and Advanced Technology
The Robotaxi smoothly changed lanes on a busy road, preparing for a right turn. The transition was seamless, with natural acceleration, making it feel less like a machine was driving. They even encountered a futuristic Cybertruck. The car efficiently passed by a railway without needing to stop for confirmation, unlike a bus.
Mature Automatic Driving Technology
The father commented on the FSD's smooth and "old-fashioned" performance on the Model Y. The real-time visualized picture on the screen clearly displayed the car's awareness of its surroundings. The entire trip was uneventful, with no emergency brakes or sudden maneuvers – a testament to the maturity of the automatic driving system.
Minor Imperfections
The system, like a human driver, even adapted to the flow of traffic, exceeding the speed limit by one kilometer per hour for safety reasons. The journey wasn't perfect; a slight jolt was felt when a front-wheel drive suddenly decelerated.
The Final Test: School Gate Traffic
The car approached the school, facing its final test: the chaotic traffic at the school gate. Hundreds of students and dozens of cars created a complex situation. The app showed that the system planned to park on the main roadside instead of entering the school's parking area.
Parental Intervention and a Perfect Landing
The father intervened, pressing the stop sign on the app just as the car was about to pass the ideal drop-off point. The Robotaxi immediately responded, turning on its turn signal. It precisely stopped at a legal parking area, a safe and convenient location, showcasing the system's intelligence.
A Successful Arrival
Eiffel successfully arrived at school with three minutes to spare. The unique Robotaxi school experience was a complete success. The question remains: would you trust a driverless car to transport your child or family member?