How is Tesla expected to remotely control its robotaxis, and what are its limitations?

Tesla is expected to tiptoe into its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, as soon as Sunday with about 10 of its Model Y SUVs that will operate within strict limits. CEO Elon Musk has said the company is being “super paranoid” about safety and that humans will remotely monitor the fleet.

Remote access and control – known in the industry as “teleoperation” – is used in varying degrees by the handful of robotaxi startups operating around the globe. The technology has clear advantages and important limitations.

Here are some details of how it…