Tesla Inc. is rolling out its first robotaxis on the streets of Austin after almost a decade of hype from Elon Musk, kicking off a precarious new era for the carmaker.

The Texas rollout has been highly anticipated by investors, who are counting on the new line to revive a company battered by poor sales and a consumer backlash.

The electric-car maker is launching a long-promised autonomous-taxi service in Austin to a select group of invitees.