Photo credit: www.cbc.ca
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving: A System Under Scrutiny
In recent months, William Stein, a technology analyst at Truist Securities, has sampled Tesla’s controversial “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) technology three times, each time underwhelmed and concerned by the vehicle’s performance.
Tesla asserts that its FSD system enables vehicles to navigate from one location to another with minimal human involvement. However, Stein’s experiences have painted a different picture, with multiple instances of the vehicle executing hazardous or illegal actions. His latest drive in October left his teenage son “terrified” due to the car’s erratic behavior.
These alarming incidents coincide with ongoing federal investigations of Tesla’s automated driving systems. Escalating public concern stems from numerous crashes, including a tragic accident in April near Seattle that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been examining these automated systems for over two years due to these safety issues.
Increasing skepticism surrounds the belief that Tesla’s technology can safely facilitate widespread autonomous driving. Critics highlight troubling patterns observed in the system’s reliability, leading many to question its future viability.
Upcoming Vehicle Developments
The stakes for Tesla have never been higher. Elon Musk has suggested to investors that by the end of the year—or possibly next year—the FSD system might outperform human drivers in safety. In the near future, the company plans to unveil a vehicle designed specifically to function as a robotaxi, which must meet rigorous U.S. safety standards to be permitted on the roads. Musk maintains confidence that Tesla can demonstrate its technological superiority over human drivers to regulators.
Though Musk has shared data related to the frequency of crashes per mile driven, this information pertains only to the company’s earlier Autopilot technology, not the newer FSD capabilities.
Current Status of Full Self-Driving
Approximately 500,000 Tesla owners currently utilize the Full Self-Driving feature, which translates to slightly more than 20% of all Teslas on the road. Many of these consumers invested upwards of $8,000 for the privilege of using this optional system. However, the company warns that despite the name, vehicles equipped with FSD are not entirely autonomous and that drivers need to be ready to take over at a moment’s notice. Tesla actively monitors driver behavior and reserves the right to suspend FSD access if users fail to adequately supervise the system.
While Musk has previously made ambitious projections regarding autonomous driving, citing a fully autonomous fleet by the end of 2020, skepticism has grown as many industry observers doubt the feasibility of such promises. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, emphasized a mismatch between Musk’s timelines and the current technological reality, suggesting that true autonomy remains a distant goal.
Stein’s test involved a Tesla Model 3, notably the company’s most affordable option, equipped with the latest FSD software utilizing artificial intelligence for driving tasks. While he recognized improvements in the software’s performance, including a smoother drive, he also witnessed alarming behaviors within just a short test route, such as a left turn from a through lane while running a red light and navigating down the middle of a roadway unsuitable for that type of maneuver.
Following his evaluation, Stein communicated to investors that the latest version of the Full Self-Driving system does not seem to be on track to achieve the autonomy that Musk has predicted, nor does it approach the capabilities required for a functional robotaxi system.
Public Perception and Expert Opinions
Stein underscored a noticeable divide between Musk’s optimistic claims and the pragmatic outcomes being observed. While some Tesla advocates have showcased their vehicles operating without human intervention, these instances are complicated by reports of dangerous behavior and numerous recorded incidents.
Experts have consistently pointed out critical deficiencies in Tesla’s system, particularly its reliance on a network of cameras and computing power. Limitations in recognizing and appropriately responding to obstacles, especially in adverse conditions such as inclement weather, pose significant challenges. Other aspiring robotaxi companies often supplement camera systems with additional sensors like radar and LIDAR, which experts agree still struggle to provide reliable driving capabilities.
The recent fatal incident involving a Tesla equipped with Full Self-Driving led to heightened scrutiny from safety regulators, who are currently reviewing all pertinent details, including Stein’s troubling experiences.
Amid a recent decline in Tesla electric vehicle sales, Musk has encouraged investors to redefine Tesla’s identity as a robotics and artificial intelligence entity rather than purely an automotive manufacturer. Despite this focus, the pursuit of an effective Full Self-Driving system has been ongoing since at least 2015, leaving many in the industry questioning how long it will take before true autonomy becomes a reality.
As Musk observes, those doubtful of Tesla’s prospects for achieving operational autonomy may want to reconsider their investment strategies.
Source
www.cbc.ca