Tesla Robotaxi Loses MKBHD's Phone During Test Drive, Waymo Vehicle Used to Track Its Location Across Town
In a recent turn of events, tech influencer Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, found himself in an unexpected predicament while testing Tesla's new Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. During a comparison video shoot between Tesla's Robotaxi and Google's Waymo Robotaxi, MKBHD accidentally left his phone inside the Tesla vehicle.
As the Tesla Robotaxi continued its journey, passing the designated drop-off point and heading south, MKBHD was left in a pickle. He initially tried to track the vehicle using another Uber, but his efforts were in vain as the Tesla operator did not respond to his calls.
In a twist of fate, Tesla's safety driver retrieved MKBHD's phone from the vehicle and dropped it off at a Tesla service center. This was made possible through the Robotaxi app installed on MKBHD's phone, even though he had temporarily lost access to it.
Despite the invite-only nature of Tesla's Robotaxi service, which limited MKBHD's ability to contact Tesla support directly, the safety driver ensured that his belongings were securely returned. This incident underscores the active role safety drivers play in Tesla's Robotaxi service, particularly in handling lost items.
MKBHD managed to recover his phone safely, thanks to the diligent efforts of Tesla's safety driver. He has yet to release the full comparison results between Tesla's and Waymo's Robotaxi services, but this incident certainly adds an interesting anecdote to his testing experience.
Tinsae Aregay, a seasoned journalist who follows Tesla and the EV space closely, authored the article detailing this event. As Tesla expands its Robotaxi service in Austin and other locations, it's clear that their operational protocol involves physical retrieval by safety personnel rather than automated item return.
Sources:
- MKBHD's Tesla Robotaxi Adventure: Lost Phone and Recovery - MKBHD YouTube Channel
- Tesla's Lost and Found Protocol for Robotaxis - Automotive News
- Expansion of Tesla's Robotaxi Service in Austin and Beyond - Electric Vehicle News and Reviews
- Tesla's Invite-Only Robotaxi Program - News Opinion
- Tesla's Robotaxi Service: Human Safety Drivers for Lost Items - TorqueNews Hot Topics
- MKBHD, the tech influencer, was in a predicament when he left his smartphone in a Tesla Robotaxi during a comparison video shoot with Google's Waymo Robotaxi.
- Despite the limitations of Tesla's invitation-only Robotaxi service, the diligent efforts of Tesla's safety driver ensured the return of MKBHD's lost gadget, adding an interesting anecdote to his testing experience.
