The New Tesla Cybercab is developed as a fully autonomous robotic taxi without a steering wheel or pedals. However, just days after commercial rides began in Austin, Texas, an interesting hidden feature has surfaced.
A passenger noticed a virtual joystick interface on the Cybercab’s central touchscreen, seemingly designed to manually move the vehicle.
According to MotorTrend, the Cybercab doesn’t have a traditional steering wheel, accelerator, or brake pedals. The vehicle navigates itself using cameras and sensors.
However, during a ride in Austin, passenger Matthew Skrzypczak noticed an unusual interface on the touchscreen, offering manual control via a virtual joystick.
Also Read: Tesla Cybercab Fares Surge in Austin: More Expensive Than Uber?
Virtual Joystick Displayed on Cybercab’s Touchscreen
The interface passengers saw was quite different from the standard Cybercab user interface. Forward and reverse movement controls were displayed on the screen with a virtual joystick. Options for stopping the vehicle, honking the horn, and manually operating the doors were also visible.
According to The Verge, views from the vehicle’s cameras were also displayed alongside the interface. This strongly indicates that the feature may have been developed not for passengers, but for manually repositioning or servicing the Cybercab.
Tesla Removes Steering Wheel, But Manual Control Not Completely
The Cybercab’s biggest design highlight is its steering-wheel-free interior. Tesla has designed the vehicle so that passengers do not need to take control of the vehicle during normal operation. Cybercab’s paid robotic taxi service in Austin also operates using this autonomous concept.
But there’s an obvious problem with real-world fleet operations. If a Cybercab needs to reposition itself in a parking area, move near a charging station, or exit a tight space at a service facility, relying on an autonomous system or remote assistance every time would not be practical.
For this reason, Tesla may have developed a hidden manual interface. The Verge also reports that such a control system could be useful for Tesla employees or depot workers.
Passenger Tried Control, But New Tesla Cybercab Didn’t Move
The most interesting part is that the passenger even tried to operate the virtual joystick. According to a MotorTrend report, instructions appeared on the screen, including prompts to press and hold the joystick and swipe for gear selection.
But Cybercab didn’t move. The passenger couldn’t manually start the vehicle and subsequently had to contact Tesla support. This raises the possibility that the exposed interface was in restricted engineering/service mode and didn’t allow active manual driving during a normal passenger ride.
What exactly could this feature be used for?
Tesla has not yet officially explained the exact purpose of the virtual joystick in Cybercab. However, based on the available evidence, the most logical explanation is that it could be used for low-speed vehicle maneuvering.
For example, Tesla technicians could manually reposition the New Tesla Cybercab in a charging area, service bay, parking lot, or fleet depot. Touchscreen-based controls for a vehicle designed without a steering wheel and pedals could be a practical workaround in this situation.
Such a system could also be useful in emergency situations, especially if the autonomous vehicle needs to be manually moved off the road. However, Tesla has not publicly confirmed this use case, so it would not be appropriate to present it as a confirmed feature.
Also Read: VinFast VF 2 Could Shake Up America’s Cheap EV Market With 130-Mile Range
Why was this menu publicly visible in the Cybercab?
That is the biggest question. According to reports, some Cybercab passengers noticed this unusual interface during the ride, even though it was supposedly for internal use.
The Verge attributes this to a possible software bug or mode-switching issue. MotorTrend also suggests it could be an engineering or service mode intended for Tesla employees and technicians.
This does not mean that Tesla is officially allowing Cybercab passengers to drive manually. According to the evidence available, public riders interacted with the controls, but the vehicle did not move.
New Tesla Cybercab Autonomous Future Is in the Early Stage
Cybercab began limited commercial robotic taxi operations in Austin in September 2026. The vehicle’s basic concept is completely different from a traditional car, as it lacks conventional driver controls like a steering wheel and pedals.
At the same time, New Tesla Cybercab is also facing regulatory scrutiny. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun investigating Tesla’s Cybercab certification process, particularly regarding how the vehicle met existing federal safety standards without a steering wheel, pedals, and other conventional controls.
Auto India Daily Verdict
New Tesla Cybercab hidden virtual joystick is an interesting reminder that a fully autonomous vehicle does not mean manual intervention will never be required. Tesla has removed the steering wheel for passengers, but a hidden manual-control solution for fleet management and servicing is still needed.
For now, it would be inaccurate to call this the Cybercab’s passenger-accessible manual driving mode. Available reports suggest this is more likely Tesla’s internal low-speed maneuvering or service interface, which accidentally came on public display during some rides.
If Tesla explains this feature in future software updates, it could be an important clue to understanding the Cybercab’s overall architecture.
Also Read: Polestar Formula 2030 Concept Previews New Look for 2027 Polestar 2 & Polestar 7
Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.