A lot of Teslas just became semi-autonomous overnight
Thanks to an over-the-air update.
New Autopilot features are demonstrated in a Tesla Model S.
Overnight, tens of thousands of Tesla drivers became semi-autonomous car owners thanks to an over-the-air system update that took place October 14.
According to Wired, over the course of a week, the update will affect every Tesla made and sold in the U.S. in the past year, letting cars drive themselves using various sensors, cameras, fleet data, and radar technology. The update marks a major step toward the self-driving future that seems inevitable, and puts Tesla way out in front of a crowd of carmakers pursuing their own autonomous systems.
But that doesn’t mean drivers can take a nap in the back seat.
Due to different driving regulations all over the country, Tesla is still having drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel, even in “Autopilot’’ mode. (If you move your hand away, a message will ask you to touch the wheel after a few seconds.)
But the new Autopilot mode does include “Autosteer,’’ which uses real-time feedback features, sensors, and 360-degree ultrasonic sonar to track lanes and watch out for other vehicles. This allows the car to steer and maintain a safe speed. Another feature, “Auto Lane Change,’’ makes sure there isn’t any obstacle in the way before switching lanes. The driver just has to put on the proper turn signal and check for blind spots.
Story continues after gallery.
New and improved cars for 2016:
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Now, the Model S and Model X can also parallel park for you, and alert you with a series of beeps and flashing messages if you zone out or fall asleep. Less exciting changes that came with the update affect the visual display inside the cars, including new instrument panels, larger app windows, and a new clock.
It’s important to note that the software update won’t work everywhere; it’s mainly geared toward highway driving, and isn’t prepared to handle obstacles like construction, cyclists, stop signs, and traffic lights – so don’t try it out in your neighborhood. And Tesla owners with models prior to 2014 are out of luck: there’s no way to retrofit the hardware to get your car to be semi-autonomous.
Elon Musk told Wired he thinks Tesla drivers will see the Autopilot update as a “profound experience’’ that will only get better. In the next three years – regulatory-approval depending – Musk said his cars will be fully autonomous, putting Teslas ahead of other carmakers with 2020 deadlines.
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