Tesla is making some changes to how the autopilot mechanism of its varied range of electric vehicles operates through a greater reliance on Tesla Vision. The transition phase does come with some caveats, but only certain models are currently being prioritized to undergo the changes. Tesla's autopilot system dates as far back as 2014, providing drivers with assistance while maneuvering and parking through the use of various high-tech equipment.
The company's technology has been improved over the years by utilizing more complex components, including ultrasonic sensors, radars and cameras, bringing the been constantly misused, suggest that the system still needs some major improvements before the goal is fully reached.
Now, it seems Tesla hopes to do deliver on its self-driving promise by announcing a transition to its camera-based autopilot system known as Tesla Vision. Instead of relying on radar sensors, Tesla's Autopilot and Full-Self Driving features will utilize more conventional solutions like cameras, along with the help of its neural net processing. Starting this month, all Model 3 and Model Y deliveries made in North America will no longer feature a radar component. However, both the Model S and Model X, including any vehicles manufactured outside of North America, will still come with radars, at least for now.
How Tesla Vision Change Affects Model 3 & Model Y
Tesla's built-in cameras have raised privacy concerns, but will Tesla Vision help restore its reputation or add to its problems? Well, that's something Tesla's determined to find out by prioritizing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles first. Tesla notes that the sheer volume of these models will help the company garner as much real-world data as quickly as possible. This will not only help determine Tesla Vision's efficiency, but also hasten its use in other models as well. Aside from radar parts being more expensive, a camera-centered autopilot does sound more appropriate, if Tesla wants its EVs to behave more like people, considering human drivers rely on visual cues instead of radar.
Those who receive an affected model might have to deal with some compromises during the transition phase. For starters, Smart Summon and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance features might come automatically disabled. Autosteer functionality will also have longer minimum distance lengths between vehicles and a 75 mph top speed limitation. Tesla did explain these are only short-term limitations, as the company plans to restore these features to their full potential via software updates. Whether or not Tesla Vision's camera-based approach proves to be better than radar sensors remains to be seen, but perhaps its emphasis on enhanced visual monitoring might help prevent drivers from easily bying its safety measures.
Source: Tesla