The mystery surrounding Starlink in the Tesla Cybercab
Technical diagrams shared by Tesla have revealed a surprising detail: the future Cybercab robotaxi is equipped with an antenna for the Starlink satellite network. This raises questions, as the company has always maintained that its Full Self-Driving technology relies solely on cameras and neural networks, rather than a constant connection to the cloud.
The presence of Starlink likely serves as a critical backup communication channel, ensuring safety in the absence of mobile coverage.
Why does a robotaxi without a steering wheel need satellites?
- Remote assistance: In the absence of a 5G/LTE network, satellite connectivity ensures constant contact with the dispatch center.
- Emergency safety: Sending real-time telemetry data in the event of accidents or technical issues.
- Global connectivity: The ability to operate in areas outside of large cities where mobile networks are unreliable.
Although the Cybercab relies on 8 cameras and microphones to analyze the environment (such as detecting sirens and voice commands), Starlink will likely take on the role of a "safety net" for updates, diagnostics, and the management of Tesla's massive fleet.