Tesla Cybercab has no steering wheel, but can be controlled with a gamepad

Presented to the public at an event in Los Angeles, a new model of the Tesla electric car, eloquently designated Cybercab and intended to work in an unmanned taxi, was spotted at the Petersen Automotive Museum, where it will be exhibited until January 2. A person can control the maneuvers of the machine using a special controller that resembles a game joystick.

Image source: Petersen Automotive Museum

This became known from eyewitnesses who watched the installation of the Tesla Cybercab prototype on a pedestal in the said Los Angeles museum. Although not visible in the photographs, the operator controlled the Cybercab prototype using a wired joystick. It is noted that, if necessary, a person can intercept control of the Cybercab using a wireless joystick that is located outside the electric vehicle. In the end, the distance between the operator and an unmanned taxi can generally be measured in kilometers, since intervention in the operation of the automation will still be required, and a backup control channel had to be provided in advance.

The first photo clearly shows that the Tesla Cybertruck’s dashboard is devoid of a steering wheel, there are no pedals under it, and this arrangement provides for “an equal degree of powerlessness” between the left and right passengers. The interior of the electric car has two seats; under the sloping roof there is an impressive luggage compartment.

Testing of the Tesla Cybercab has so far taken place in closed areas, but the company may begin testing similar vehicles on public roads in the United States as early as next year. At first, the country’s legislation will require the presence of an insuring driver in the cabin. He will need that same wired control panel, which allows a person to interfere with the operation of the automation.