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Cybercab's Secret Manual Controls Unearthed
8 Sep
Summary
- Cybercab features hidden virtual joystick for manual control.
- Controls appear intended for Tesla employees, not riders.
- Virtual controls may be a workaround for autonomous vehicle parking.
The recently launched Tesla Cybercab in Austin, Texas, has an unexpected secret: hidden manual controls. Passengers have shared videos showing a virtual joystick appearing on the vehicle's display, intended for manual operation. These controls include directional toggles, a stop button, and a horn, seemingly designed for Tesla employees.
These capabilities are thought to be a solution for fleet workers who need to move the Cybercabs, which lack traditional steering wheels and pedals, in confined areas like parking lots. While the Cybercab's design emphasizes full autonomy and a future without manual controls, these hidden features might also assist emergency responders.
Passengers who discovered the virtual controls were unable to operate them, and it's unclear why they appeared during customer rides. Tesla is expected to address this apparent bug before any wider release of the Cybercab service.
