Issue 406 - Unsupervised Robotaxi carries its first passenger on the highway
Robotaxi
Interactive rear navigation maps roll out to owner vehicles, previewing the Robotaxi experience
Spring 2026 update brings Robotaxi-inspired features to existing owner cars, most notably a fully interactive navigation map on rear passenger displays while driving. Previously seen only in Robotaxi prototypes, this passenger-centered interface is now live on a limited number of vehicles and is set to expand rapidly.
Unsupervised Robotaxi carries its first passenger on the highway 📹
A new video shows a Tesla Robotaxi operating in fully unsupervised mode on a Dallas highway, which is cool. What is not cool is that the Robotaxi misses its exit and attempts to pull over while traffic is moving at speed. The navigation and map data remain problematic, and rider support offered little help during the incident.
Software Updates
First look at weather improvements, music queuing, and undocumented features in update 2026.14 📷
Spring 2026 update 2026.14 is a substantial software release, bringing both headline and subtle improvements. Standouts include a revamped high-definition weather map with an hour of radar history, revamped music queuing with intuitive gestures, a more streamlined settings menu, and a handy Dashcam save button, including a bump to a 24-hour recording buffer.
App update brings telemetry to Dashcam clips saved to your phone and more 📷
The latest mobile app update lets you download Dashcam clips to your phone with telemetry overlays, so data like speed, steering, and FSD status now travels with your footage. The app can now save in-car sketches for easier sharing, and the familiar Dog Mode is renamed to Pet Mode with new avatars and the option to show your pet's name.
Semi
Best-ever photos of the Semi reveal Standard and Long Range trims 📷
Newly released photos of the Semi provide the clearest view yet of both the Standard Range and Long Range variants. Observers noted traditional mirrors rather than full camera systems, and some questioned the truck's practicality, such as available sleeping space in the non-sleeper model.
Model S & X
Model S and Model X Signature Editions sell out in days
The limited-run Signature Editions of the Model S and Model X sold out in under a week, with a combined 350 units snapped up by invitation-only buyers for $160,000 each. These exclusive sendoff models, loaded with premium options and unique finishes, mark the end of an era for Tesla's flagship vehicles ahead of their production line conversion.
Superchargers
Tesla diner expansion confirmed, with “more coming” 📷
Elon Musk has confirmed that the retro diner concept will expand beyond the first Los Angeles location, though specific sites have not been named. The original diner, which pairs a classic drive-in experience with a large Supercharger station and in-car ordering, has proved popular, selling thousands of milkshakes and burgers since opening. Possible future locations include sites near Giga Texas and Palo Alto, suggesting Tesla intends to make this blend of EV charging and dining a real part of its brand experience.
Robotaxi-only charging hubs are starting to take shape 📷
Tesla is moving ahead with dedicated Robotaxi charging hubs, applying for permits to construct large V4 Supercharger stations in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona. These locations will be off-limits to the public and intended solely for the upcoming autonomous Cybercab fleet, signaling a direct challenge to Waymo in its home market.
Optimus
Optimus v3 patents reveal key advances in robotic hand and arm design
Latest patents for the Optimus V3 humanoid robot detail a sophisticated, tendon-driven hand and forearm design engineered for dexterity, reliability, and scalable production. Key innovations include forearm-mounted actuators to reduce hand mass, advanced cable routing mechanisms that minimize friction and crosstalk for smooth multi-axis wrist movement, and joint assemblies tailored for durability and ease of manufacturing. These patents indicate core engineering challenges are being solved, potentially setting Optimus apart from competitors in humanoid robotics.
AI5 chip tapes out for next-generation self-driving and robotics 📷
Tesla has completed the design of its AI5 chip, which promises a major leap in compute power for both vehicles and robotics, surpassing even powerful GPUs like Nvidia's H100 for Tesla’s applications. The chip is optimized for real-time, on-device AI and will support much larger neural networks, a key enabler for Tesla’s self-driving and robotics ambitions. Production is expected to begin in volume by mid-2027, with future chip designs already in development to keep pace with rapid AI advances.
🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.
EV: Electrical Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving
GPU: Graphics Processing Unit