Tesla doubles down on camera-based Autopilot system amid growing scrutiny
Safety of what Tesla dubs “Full Self-Driving” features questioned following accidents
Berkeley, California: Tesla Inc said on Tuesday it will eliminate a radar sensor and rely on cameras for its semi-automated driving Autopilot system for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the North American market starting this month.
The move came amid growing scrutiny by regulators and media about the safety of what Tesla dubs “Full Self-Driving” features, following a series of accidents.
“These will be the first Tesla vehicles to rely on camera vision and neural net processing to deliver Autopilot, Full-Self Driving and certain active safety features,” Tesla said in a statement.
Tesla’s Autopilot system currently consists of eight surround cameras around its vehicles, complemented by a front-facing radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors. A radar sensor uses radio sensors to detect distance from objects.
“All new Model S and Model X, as well as all vehicles built for markets outside of North America, will continue to be equipped with radar ... until we determine the appropriate time to transition those vehicles to Tesla Vision,” it said.