Waymo and Tesla Robotaxis Still Rely on Remote Human Assistance

Despite continuous advances in autonomous driving technology, Waymo and Tesla’s robotaxi services still rely on human support to ensure safety. Waymo offers paid services in six major U.S. metropolitan areas, with a "remote assistance" team of about 70 people monitoring approximately 3,000 vehicles—some of whom are contractors based in the Philippines—who step in when the system requests help. Tesla launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025; although some of its vehicles no longer have in-car safety drivers, they are still backed by remote operators providing support. Experts note that human intervention will remain a critical component for ensuring the safety of autonomous driving in the foreseeable future.