Tesla Robotaxi Misplaced During Test Drive: MKBHD Tracks Down Stolen Ride with Help from a Waymo Vehicle
In a recent test drive of Tesla's new Robotaxi service, YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) experienced a common yet unexpected issue - losing his phone inside the autonomous vehicle.
During a comparison video shoot in Austin, Texas between Tesla's Robotaxi and Google's Waymo Robotaxi, MKBHD found himself in a predicament when he forgot his iPhone in the back seat of the Tesla Robotaxi.
As the Robotaxi continued its journey, MKBHD attempted to contact Tesla support using the Robotaxi app installed on his forgotten phone. However, without the phone in hand, he was temporarily unable to reach out.
In such situations, Tesla's lost and found protocol kicks into action. Safety drivers or Tesla employees are responsible for retrieving and returning lost items. In MKBHD's case, the safety driver dropped off his phone at a Tesla service center, and a Tesla employee contacted him to inform its recovery.
However, the process can be more challenging for users who do not have direct access to the app or the phone inside the car. MKBHD, for instance, had to call an Uber with a human driver to help him track his phone and follow the Tesla Robotaxi.
Tesla's Robotaxi service currently operates on an invite-only basis, with a dedicated Robotaxi app for customers to contact Tesla support. Regular users who participate in the program and have access to the app can report lost items and coordinate with Tesla for recovery.
The incident raises questions about how other Robotaxi users would retrieve their belongings if they forgot their only phone inside an autonomous vehicle. MKBHD himself pondered about this, expressing his concerns about the potential challenges users might face.
It's worth noting that Tesla's Robotaxi service still has a safety driver present, a feature MKBHD was grateful for during his test drive. This safety driver played a crucial role in the recovery of his phone.
As for the full comparison results between Tesla's and Waymo's Robotaxi services, MKBHD has yet to release them. The incident with his lost phone certainly added an unexpected twist to his testing experience.
In summary, while Tesla's lost and found protocol is effective, it's crucial for users to remember their phones and the Robotaxi app when using the service. With the service still being invite-only, the recovery process can be more challenging for those who don't have direct access to the app or the phone.
