Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, has been imagining what a robotaxi might look like for over a decade. In fact, since Tesla delivered the Model S, von Holzhausen has been mentally designing a robotaxi, anticipating a future where autonomous vehicles become a reality.
Von Holzhausen, who played a key role in designing the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Tesla Semi, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with TechCrunch during the UP.Summit. He revealed that while he was busy working on Tesla’s existing models, he was already envisioning a future where robotaxi services would become mainstream.
Why the Robotaxi Idea Seemed Inevitable
“I just think that it felt inevitable we would get there,” von Holzhausen explained, highlighting why he started thinking about a robotaxi so early in his career. The idea of a vehicle that could drive itself without any human intervention seemed like a natural progression.
Tesla is now on the verge of revealing its first robotaxi at an October 10 event in Los Angeles. Although the specifics are still unclear—whether it will be a concept, a prototype, or something else—excitement is building. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long hinted at this autonomous future, despite some delays in delivering on those promises.
What Can We Expect from Tesla’s Robotaxi?
While von Holzhausen didn’t reveal too many details, he did say that the upcoming robotaxi would be “intriguing,” “interesting,” and “fun.” He mentioned that Tesla’s current lineup of vehicles laid the groundwork for what’s to come in the autonomous vehicle space.
“In a strange sort of way, we’ve been working our way—in a very public way—to what an autonomous future will look like,” von Holzhausen said. He pointed to features like Tesla’s large, configurable interface and the integration of entertainment and humor into the user experience, all of which help shape the vision for the robotaxi.
Tesla has always used design to introduce technology in a user-friendly way, and von Holzhausen sees this as a continuous thread throughout the company’s history. One early example was the self-presenting door handle, which made the vehicle feel more intuitive and connected to the user.
A Future Without Drivers?
Von Holzhausen is optimistic about a future where autonomous driving is the norm. “I desperately don’t want my kids to have to worry about getting a driver’s license, or driving at all,” he remarked, envisioning a world where robotaxis replace personal cars.
He compared this moment in time to the disruptive transition from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles. Just as people had to adapt to cars, we may soon face a shift in how we think about transportation, trading control for convenience.
“We tolerated what we knew with horses—housing, feeding, and cleaning up after them,” he said. “Now, we tolerate our current vehicles in a similar way. But the opportunity for radical change is here, and it’s exciting.”
The Designer’s Vision for the Robotaxi Experience
For von Holzhausen, the robotaxi represents an opportunity to rethink how people spend their time and move through the world. “As a designer, it’s really exciting because we now have the ability to shape how people use their time, what their lives can be like, and how they can experience new places.”
The robotaxi is not just about removing the driver—it’s about creating an entirely new way to travel. Tesla’s design philosophy has always focused on making technology approachable, and the robotaxi is set to push those boundaries even further.
The Future of Transportation
As Tesla continues to innovate, the robotaxi is poised to change the landscape of transportation. With von Holzhausen’s vision and Musk’s ambitious goals, Tesla is shaping a world where autonomous vehicles could soon become a part of our daily lives.
What are your thoughts on the robotaxi revolution? Share your opinions in the comments below! If you’re as excited as we are about Tesla’s upcoming reveal, don’t forget to share this article with your friends.
