Former Waymo CEO Questions Tesla's Robotaxi Readiness

John Krafcik, former CEO of Waymo, has reiterated his skepticism about Tesla's readiness to launch its robotaxi service, criticizing the design and technology of Tesla's Cybercab. He asserts that Tesla remains merely a car manufacturer with a driver-assist system, lacking the capability to provide fully autonomous rides, while Waymo already delivers over a million rides each month. Krafcik points out that a true robotaxi would require a robust sensor array and practical design features, which he believes the Cybercab fails to offer. He emphasizes the importance of safety, arguing that Tesla's current approach lacks critical elements like redundant sensors and cleaning mechanisms for equipment. Despite Tesla's long-standing ambitions for a robotaxi network, Krafcik's comments reflect a broader skepticism among industry experts regarding Tesla's ability to compete effectively in this space. Overall, he believes Waymo has a significant lead that will likely last for several years.