Tesla Developing On-Demand Rear and Repeater Views for Cybercab

Cybercab riders may soon be able to see what is behind and alongside them at any time during a trip. After taking a ride in the purpose-built robotaxi, Tesla enthusiast Dan Burkland praised the Cybercab’s software on X and asked Tesla to let riders “pull up the rear & repeater cameras on demand,” adding that it “would be great especially for peace of mind.” Evan, a UI software engineer at Tesla, replied with a simple update: “In development.” He did not say when the feature will be released.

Why Riders Want Camera Access

The Cybercab has no side mirrors and no rear-view mirror, leaving passengers without a way to see out the back or toward the sides while riding. Tesla’s Robotaxi software is fed by video from eight external cameras, but riders currently do not have access to those feeds.

Right now, the camera feeds only appear when you arrive at your destination. A “Please Exit Safely” screen shows the left repeater, rear, and right repeater camera views side by side, so you can check for traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians before opening a door and stepping out. The screen also reminds riders to take their belongings as they leave.

Riders cannot summon that view during the trip today. The upcoming capability would let them bring up the same camera feeds on demand, which could help first-time riders feel more comfortable in a car with no driver, steering wheel, brake pedal, or mirrors.

Part of Broader Cybercab Upgrades

On-demand camera views could be among the “very cool upgrades” Cybercab chief engineer Eric Earley recently teased at the X Takeover event, alongside new seats coming soon to the Cybercab. Tesla has also been surveying Cybercab riders on new cabin features since public rides began in Austin last month.

Tesla is improving the cabin experience as the fleet grows. It now has more than 300 Cybercabs in Austin, and Dallas is next in line for Cybercab rides.

The Cybercab’s lack of mirrors has also drawn regulatory attention. Among the 21 questions NHTSA wants Tesla to answer about the Cybercab’s legality are whether it has inside and outside mirrors and how its rearview camera meets federal standards. Tesla recently got a 30-day extension to respond to NHTSA’s Cybercab probe.

Because this is a software change, the existing Cybercab fleet could receive on-demand camera views through an update once the feature is ready, with no new hardware required.