Elmo Wants To Replace Government Workers With AI

Sure, why not?

A crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck in self-driving mode this week has sparked worries about the reliability of the company's software that powers the feature, days after CEO Elon Musk said he would roll out a paid robotaxi service this year. 

The pickup, the latest model in Tesla's lineup, failed to merge out of a lane that was ending, hit the curb and crashed into a pole in Nevada's Reno city while on its Full Self-Driving feature, which still requires a human in control behind the wheel.  

“Don't make the same mistake I did. Pay attention. It is easy to get complacent now - don't," the driver Jonathan Challinger said on social media platform X tagging Musk. "Spread my message and help save others from the same fate or far worse." 

The driver reported that there were unknown mechanical issues that caused the vehicle to leave the lane and hit the pole, according to a police report seen by Reuters. 

Tesla has for years faced criticism and investigations over the safety of its advanced driver assistance software following several crashes, including a fatal one. 

But Musk late last month said people skeptical of the technology should try it now, touting the "immense improvement" in the safety profile of its latest iteration called Version 13.

And how is that working out?

Unlike other automakers, which use redundant technologies for safety, Tesla's approach relies only on cameras, making it cheaper but also riskier in challenging visibility conditions, such as heavy rain, snow or fog, according to experts.

And remind me to stay out of Austin this summer:

Musk said Tesla will start testing paid ride-hailing service by June in Austin, Texas - a state with almost no regulatory requirements for autonomous vehicles - followed by California and other U.S. regions by the end of the year.

Oh, yeah; why Elmo is so interested in AI (and unconcerned with Tesla sales?)

A successful deployment of robotaxis is crucial for Tesla as it grapples with a broader slowdown in demand for its aging lineup of EVs, while investors bet heavily on Musk's pivot to robotics and AI for future growth.

Elmo is not interested in business. Elmo is only interested in the next shiny thing. The next shiny thing, and government contracts. Government contracts have been very, very good to Elmo. If he can turn government over to AI, and also supply the AI, who needs to worry about car sales?

It’s 1972, and we’re stuck in that DC parking garage, having to hear Hal Holbrook say the same thing again and again and again

I didn’t know that we’d ever left.