Tesla has once again updated its Autopilot software, and it continues to impress – Tesla now claims the company is working to find ways for their cars to avoid potholes without any driver input, Interesting Engineering reports.
The latest update makes it possible for Tesla cars to drive fairly seamlessly on a variety of road conditions with very little input from the driver. Currently, Tesla’s autopilot can adjust the car’s speed as deemed necessary for optimal safety and autonomous steering.
Drivers are required to stay in contact with the wheel and be fully attentive during driving. However, if you regularly drive in an area with lots of potholes, the Autopilot isn’t much good. Avoiding potholes on roads is essential to save the tires, as well as to avoid any instances that may cause an accident or loss of vehicle control.
Earlier this month a happy Tesla user posted on Twitter that they were loving the latest software update but questioned the possibility of an anti-pothole addition Musk replied it was ‘definitely’ a good idea, IE adds.
Tesla drivers will be happy to hear the latest version of ‘Enhanced Summon’ is almost here too – U.S drivers will get the update this week. The latest feature will give Tesla drivers the ability to hail their car from a parked position in a car park and have it drive over to them.
Some Tesla owners got the update early while the majority will be able to summon their cars later this week, the news outlet added.
There are still some pretty tight limitations on the feature like you need to be a certain distance from the car etc. and have it parked under particular conditions. It is critical to note that, despite the hype and language used, Tesla cars are not (yet) self-driving.
The electric car makers Autopilot feature can be described as a Level 2 system, a designation by the SEA that means partial automation. A level 2 vehicle can control Advanced Driver Assist Systems such as adaptive cruise (accelerating and deceleration along with the vehicle ahead) and lane steering in certain conditions. Drivers of level 2 cars are expected to maintain control at all times.
All of these updates from Tesla show they are always moving forward towards their goal of a vision-based autonomous driving system – avoiding potholes is a big test for such a system due to the wide range of variances in an obstacle like potholes.
Be the first to comment