Austin, Texas — A recent incident involving Tesla’s autonomous robotaxi service has raised questions about the technology’s reliability. The incident occurred when a self-driving Model Y, after dropping off a passenger, lightly scraped against a parked vehicle while attempting to maneuver through a dimly lit alley.

Footage from the YouTube channel DirtyTesla captured the moment, showing the vehicle navigating awkwardly before making contact with a Toyota. Fortunately, the collision resulted in no significant injuries or damage, and a safety monitor on board subsequently took control, ensuring the car could safely continue its journey.

This event follows the launch of Tesla’s robotaxi program in Austin just two weeks ago, during which initial rides revealed an array of unexpected behaviors. Passengers have reported instances where the vehicle abruptly halted at non-existent emergency lights or even briefly veered into the wrong lane. Such behaviors have drawn attention to the reliance on Tesla’s software, which primarily utilizes cameras and artificial intelligence for navigation.

In contrast, companies like Waymo employ a multi-faceted approach that incorporates lidar and radar in addition to cameras. Despite this, Waymo has also faced challenges, including a voluntary recall following accidents involving its robotaxis.

The growing presence of autonomous vehicles in urban settings has ignited a broader conversation about safety and technology’s role in transportation. Experts emphasize that while the advancements in self-driving technology are promising, incidents like these highlight the importance of rigorous testing and oversight.

As this technology continues to evolve, both Tesla and its competitors are under increasing pressure to ensure that their systems can navigate complex environments safely and effectively. With the public’s awareness and scrutiny likely to sharpen, companies might need to enhance their safety protocols and transparency regarding incidents involving autonomous vehicles.