U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla is preparing to launch its autonomous robotaxi, the "Cybercab," which features no steering wheel or brake pedals, as early as this month, U.S. tech media outlet The Information reported on August 17 local time.

Tesla recently informed employees that it plans to unveil the Cybercab to the public as early as this month, if possible.

The Cybercab is a two-seater vehicle built without a steering wheel or brake pedals, designed in a way that humans cannot intervene or take control even if a problem occurs with the autonomous driving system.

Because of this, the official launch of the Cybercab represents a major milestone in terms of technology and regulation regarding autonomous vehicles.

Tesla stated that there are remote operators who can monitor the vehicles and take control in case of an emergency.

Tesla plans to begin pilot operations in Austin, Texas.

Insiders reported that Tesla has been accelerating preparations for the launch over the past few weeks, including test rides for the Cybercab, private road driving for employees, and training for local emergency responders.

Since June, Tesla has been conducting test drives of the Cybercab on public roads across the United States, including in Austin.

Starting in July, employees began taking test rides in the Cybercab on private roads around the Austin campus and collecting feedback data.

The target for the official Cybercab launch is late August, though the schedule is subject to change during final preparations.

During an earnings call last month, Elon Musk stated that because the Cybercab is built on a new platform, "we need to accumulate driving data specific to the Cybercab before mass-deploying the vehicles on the roads."

Tesla currently uses Model Y vehicles equipped with autonomous driving software for its robotaxi service.

It remains uncertain whether all of these vehicles are planned to be replaced by the Cybercab.

(Photo: Yonhap News)