Tesla Cybercab Riders Discover Hidden Virtual Joystick for Manual Control

The Tesla Cybercab, a two-seat autonomous vehicle unveiled without a steering wheel or pedals, has been found to contain a hidden manual control option, according to a report from The Verge.

The vehicle was designed from the outset to operate without traditional driver controls, reflecting Tesla's stated vision for a fully autonomous ride-hailing service. However, less than a week after the Cybercab's official launch in Austin, Texas, some riders reported discovering what the outlet described as the vehicle's "secret manual controls."

According to The Verge, these controls take the form of a virtual joystick accessible through the vehicle's interface, rather than any physical steering mechanism. The report did not specify further technical details about how the joystick functions or under what circumstances riders might use it.

Tesla has marketed the Cybercab as a purpose-built robotaxi, distinct from its other vehicles that include conventional controls alongside driver-assistance features. The absence of a steering wheel and pedals was presented as a signature design choice underscoring the vehicle's autonomous-only operation.

The Verge's report raises questions about the extent to which the Cybercab retains any form of human override capability, though the publication did not indicate whether Tesla had publicly commented on the discovery or the joystick's intended purpose.

This article is based on reporting from The Verge. Further details from Tesla regarding the feature were not available in the source material.