With the latest release of the Tesla Model X and the success of the Model 3, Tesla is changing the way we think about cars. The rate at which Tesla is changing the automotive market is rapidly speeding up. Technology like the Tesla Autopilot is just part of the integral success of the company.
Rolled out in the latest software operating system update for the Model S, the Version 7.0 includes the latest version of Tesla Autopilot. The autonomous driving technology has been thoroughly tested, and it’s just another way that Tesla is pushing the boundaries. Automakers are already trying to play catch up to the electric car manufacturer, with many of them developing their own self-driving cars.
But is the Tesla Autopilot technology in the Model S really autonomous? In the truest sense of the word, no it’s not; but it’s getting there.
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk recently stressed that the Tesla Autopilot technology was far from complete.
Labeled Version 1 and as a $2,500 option in the Model S, it’s still very much a work in progress.
As far as what the autopilot can do, once activated your Model S will will keep itself in its lane, and it can also change lanes when the driver taps the turn signal. The Tesla Autopilot can also avoid other vehicles and hazards as well, matching speeds with traffic.
It works best in heavy traffic or open roads at the moment, and Tesla warns that drivers should use the feature with “extreme caution”
Although the Tesla Autopilot is still in a public beta stage, it works quite well according to most open road tests.
What does this mean for Tesla? On top of it’s burgeoning Model 3 market, the Tesla Autopilot technology gives them the largest self-driving fleet in the world. Each Model S will transmit anonymous data back to Tesla headquarters.
Wondering what’s behind this technology? Here’s just a few facts about the incredible Tesla Autopilot feature.
Five facts about the Tesla Autopilot
Fleet Learning – It seems as though Tesla is always two steps ahead, and in this regard the Tesla autopilot is no different. Based on what Tesla calls “fleet learning” every Model S will transmit data and information back to the electric car maker. This gives them a large pool of data that quickly captured, processed and compiled. Data that can improve their Tesla autopilot in each new revision and release.
Not Perfect – If you are thinking about taking a nap during your morning commute, think again. While the Tesla autopilot tests well, the electric car manufacturer advises all drivers to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.
New Features – Tesla has quite a few upgrades and features coming down the pipeline. These are required because the current autopilot doesn’t take stop signs and red lights into account.
Software update 7.1 is already being touted as the next step in Tesla autopilot.
Power in numbers – With over 80,000 Tesla Model S, all of the Model X and certain versions of the Model 3, there’s a lot of data collected from each vehicle. These vehicles use an array of sensors that combine radar, imaging and ultrasonic technology to self-drive the car down the road.
Computing Power – Part of what makes the Tesla autopilot so remarkable is that Version 7 uses a combination of situational data with what is going on around the car. Combining GPS signal with the various vehicle sensors gives the self-driving technology the edge. These factors have led Tesla to predict that fully autonomous vehicles will be available to the public in just three years.
Were you wondering when cars would drive and park themselves? The day just may be closer than you originally thought. What do you think about the Tesla autopilot? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
