Photo: Richard Vogel ~ AP
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November 5, 2026 ~ Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne joined Kevin Dietz to discuss Tesla Cybercabs joining Waymo in robotaxi testing on Detroit streets. Payne examined the technology behind autonomous vehicles, the potential impact on transportation, and what the testing could mean for the future of mobility in Michigan.
DETROIT ~ Tesla’s autonomous Cybercab vehicles have joined Waymo in testing robotaxi technology on Detroit-area roads, adding to growing competition in the race to bring driverless ride-hailing services to the region. Auto critic Henry Payne said Detroit’s four-season climate makes it an important testing ground as companies work to refine autonomous vehicle technology for use in a variety of weather conditions.
The arrival of Cybercab testing in Detroit highlights the city’s growing role in the future of transportation. Payne said driverless ride services have already become common in cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco and Atlanta, and supporters believe expanded testing could help pave the way for broader use of robotaxi services in Michigan.
