A user discovered a hidden manual driving mode in a Tesla Cybercab, which features a virtual joystick on the vehicle's touchscreen. The interface allows for manual control of the robotaxi, which is designed without a steering wheel or pedals. The display splits into two sections: one for the joystick and door controls, and another showing a live camera feed.
The virtual joystick serves as a workaround for repositioning the vehicle in depots or tight spaces. Tesla has not publicly demonstrated this feature. The discovery follows an audit launched by the NHTSA on September 3, which examines the certification of the Cybercab regarding the absence of physical controls like steering wheels and mirrors. The probe involves approximately 1,000 vehicles.
While Tesla maintains that the Cybercab does not require manual controls due to its autonomous capabilities, the company has previously suggested that physical steering wheels and pedals could be added if necessary. Various prototypes equipped with traditional controls were observed during the testing phase, though the current production model relies on the touchscreen interface for manual operation.
