Tesla says 'robotaxis' coming next year, touts self-driving microchip

SAN FRANCISCO - Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla Inc. "robotaxis" with no human drivers will be available in some markets next year thanks to exponential improvements in technology. "Probably two years from now we'll make a car with no steering wheels or pedals," he predicted, while acknowledging he often misses deadlines and his presentation on Monday started 30 minutes late. Musk also unveiled on Monday a microchip for self-driving vehicles that the electric car company hopes will give Tesla an edge over rivals and persuade investors its massive investment in autonomous driving will pay off. The presentation came two days before Tesla is expected to announce a quarterly loss on fewer deliveries of its Model 3 sedan, which represents Tesla's attempt to become a volume carmaker. Global carmakers, large technology companies and an array of startups are developing self-driving cars -- including Alphabet Inc.'s Waymo and Uber Technologies Inc. -- but experts say it will be years before the systems are ready for prime time.