Tesla Cybercab equipped with hidden manual driving controls
The driverless robotaxi features a virtual joystick interface accessible via its touchscreen for manual operation.
A passenger in a Tesla Cybercab discovered an unexpected capability: the vehicle contains controls for manual operation despite being engineered as a fully autonomous robotaxi. The manual interface appears on the vehicle's touchscreen as a virtual joystick, allowing occupants to drive the vehicle by hand.
The discovery reveals that Tesla incorporated driver input functionality into the Cybercab despite its design philosophy eliminating conventional controls. The absence of a physical steering wheel and pedals suggests the vehicle was optimized for autonomous operation, yet the touch-based manual mode provides an alternative operating method.
This manual driving feature may serve multiple purposes, from testing and maintenance to emergency situations or operator preference, though Tesla has not publicly detailed the specific applications for the hidden control system.