Tesla Cybercab Revealed to Have Hidden Manual Controls, Virtual Joystick

Tesla's fully autonomous Cybercab robotaxi has revealed unexpected features, including hidden manual controls. The vehicle, designed to operate without a human driver, appears to include a virtual joystick for manual operation, seemingly intended for Tesla employees.

Videos posted on X by riders in Austin, Texas, where the Cybercab was recently launched, show the virtual joystick appearing on the vehicle's central display. This control element is located in the lower left corner of the screen, enabling manual movement of the vehicle.

The core design principle of the Cybercab has been complete autonomy, eliminating the need for a steering wheel or pedals. The existence of a hidden manual control raises questions about the vehicle's safety protocols and the circumstances under which manual operation might be employed.

Tesla has not officially commented on the virtual joystick. The feature may be intended for emergency situations or for moving the vehicle during maintenance or testing phases. These discoveries add to the ongoing discussion surrounding the safety and oversight mechanisms of autonomous ride-hailing services.