# Elon Musk Robotaxi Night Safety

> Tesla robotaxis can't see pets at night, Musk admits.
- Title: Elon Musk Robotaxi Night Safety · Futurism | Shortify
- Summary: Tesla robotaxis can't see pets at night, Musk admits. Elon Musk says Tesla robotaxis can't safely operate after dark due to poor night vision, risking pets.
- Keywords: elon musk, tesla, robotaxis, night safety, lidar, radar, austin, waymo, kittens, science, technology, Elon
- Source: Futurism — https://futurism.com/future-society/elon-musk-tesla-robotaxis-night
- Author: Victor Tangermann
- Published: 2026-10-05T14:23:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: elon musk, tesla, robotaxis, night safety, lidar, radar, austin, waymo, kittens, science, technology
## Tesla's Self-Driving System
Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims self-driving cars don't need radar or lidar sensors, using only cameras instead.

> fool's errand
## Musk's Night Safety Claim
Musk says Tesla robotaxis can't see pets at night, risking collisions with grey kittens on dark tarmac.

> literally trying to avoid grey kittens on grey tarmac in the dark
## Lidar's Night Advantage
Lidar and radar sensors help vehicles see in the dark, which Musk's robotaxis lack.

> kittens of any shade could certainly be picked up by them
## Musk's Time Adjustment
Tesla moved robotaxis' operating hours from 10 pm to 11 pm in Austin, but sunset is at 7 pm.

> sunset in Austin is just after 7 pm local time
## Waymo's Fleet Size
Waymo, using lidar and radar, has a much larger fleet than Tesla's robotaxis in Austin.
## Cat Fatality Incident
A tabby cat named KitKat died after being hit by a Waymo vehicle last year.

> tabby cat named KitKat met its demise
## Key takeaway

Elon Musk says Tesla robotaxis can't safely operate after dark due to poor night vision, risking pets.