Episode 311 | Autonomy Markets: Tesla Robotaxi Launch, OpenAI & Foxconn, Waymo’s Future

This week on Autonomy Markets, Grayson Brulte and Walter Piecyk discuss Tesla’s robotaxi launch in Austin, OpenAI’s growing autonomous driving ambitions, Waymo’s future and Foxconn’s strategic partnership with Elektrobit.

The launch of Tesla’s robotaxi has sparked polarized reactions with some hailing it as revolutionary, while others have focused on the safety attendant and the limited ODD (Operational Design Domain). During the episode, Grayson and Walt discussed how this measured rollout contrasts with the overhyped expectations, while also emphasizing that no company, including Waymo has scaled robotaxis without any operational issues. 

Beyond Tesla, the hosts explored how Foxconn’s new partnership with Continental’s Elektrobit could position it as a contract manufacturer for next-generation autonomous fleets, potentially opening doors for tech giants with autonomous driving ambitions, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Meta to enter the sector.

While Waymo is the clear leader in the development and commercialization of robotaxis today, their long-term business ambitions remain shrouded in mystery.

Episode Chapters

0:00 Tesla Robotaxi Launch

6:19 Robotaxi and Waymo Cost Structure Comparsion

10:59 Tele-Operations

13:28 The Growth of Robotaxi

15:15 NHTSA

19:00 What’s Next for Robotaxi?

24:36 Uber & Waymo Open Atlanta Market

25:49 Waymo at Airports

26:33 Waymo Needs Policy Help

29:25 Will Waymo and Lyft Be Friends Again?

30:24 Does Waymo Want to Be in the Robotaxi Business?

33:49 Is Travis Kalanick Buying Pony AI’s U.S. Operations with Uber’s Backing?

36:30 Foxconn / Elektrobit Partnership

43:17 Will Waymo Via Ever Come Back?

44:03 Autonomous Delivery Bots

47:44 VW ID. Buzz AD

50:46 Next Week

Recorded on Thursday, June 26, 2025

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