Tesla Designer: How Franz von Holzhausen Envisions the Future of Robotaxis

Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen has been contemplating the concept of a robotaxi for over a decade, starting from when the Model S was launched. He has played a crucial role in the development of the Model 3, Model Y, and Tesla Semi, but his thoughts on autonomous vehicles have developed alongside these projects. “I believe we will inevitably reach this goal,” he shares his views on the future of autonomous transport.

At a presentation scheduled for October 10 in Los Angeles, Tesla plans to unveil its developments in the area of robotaxis, though it remains unclear whether this will be a concept, prototype, or something else entirely. This event follows numerous previous promises by Elon Musk about demonstrating fully autonomous vehicles without the need for human intervention.

Von Holzhausen does not disclose details about what will be shown, but emphasizes that the existing lineup of Tesla vehicles has already laid the groundwork for future innovations. He discusses how Tesla, through design, shapes the perception of technology and makes it more accessible to users. “The automatically deploying door handle was a way for us to introduce people to technology,” he says. “It shows how a car becomes part of our everyday lives.”

The designer expresses optimism about the future of autonomous driving becoming commonplace. “I don’t want my children to have to worry about getting a license or driving,” he adds. He draws parallels between the current situation and the transition from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles. “Everyone was accustomed to one way of getting around,” he says. “But no one talks about the downsides: caring for horses, feeding them, and cleaning up after them.”

Von Holzhausen believes that we are experiencing a similar transition now, with people simply adapting to what they know. “It’s an opportunity to radically change something that may seem daunting—this is a challenge, but also an opportunity,” he states. “We can shape how people use their time, how they can move around, and what their experiences can be.”