Tesla CEO Elon Musk projected a significant expansion of the company’s driverless robotaxi network across the U.S. by the close of 2026, announcing his intention during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This ambitious timeline follows the recent, albeit limited, deployment of Tesla’s robotaxis in Austin, Texas, which still required human safety supervisors. The company also initiated a ride-share service in San Francisco, with human drivers at the helm.
Despite these steps, Tesla has yet to secure the necessary regulatory approvals for fully autonomous vehicle operation on public roads. Musk’s previous predictions for fully driverless capabilities, notably in 2019 when he expressed high confidence in a 2020 rollout, have faced delays.
The autonomous vehicle landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. Alphabet-backed Waymo has established a strong presence, operating in five U.S. markets by the end of last year and recently launching services in Miami. Amazon-owned Zoox also entered the fray in 2025.
Musk’s participation in the World Economic Forum marked his return to the annual summit of global leaders after a hiatus. He had previously expressed a critical view of the forum on social media.
In addition to the robotaxi revelations, Musk also discussed Tesla’s broader AI and robotics ambitions. He indicated that the company plans to make its Optimus humanoid robots available to the public by 2027. Reflecting on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Musk suggested that AI could surpass human intelligence by the end of the current year or, at the latest, within the next year.
The development of autonomous driving technology is a key focus for numerous automotive and technology players. Tesla’s approach, centered on its vision-based Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, contrasts with competitors who often utilize a combination of sensors, including lidar. The regulatory environment remains a critical factor, with authorities carefully evaluating the safety and reliability of these advanced systems before granting widespread operational permits. The successful integration of robotaxis into urban transportation networks hinges not only on technological prowess but also on public acceptance, robust safety protocols, and a clear regulatory framework. As the technology matures, the interplay between innovation, regulation, and market adoption will shape the future of autonomous mobility.
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