A recent accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck has sparked concerns about the readiness of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology for autonomous operation. The incident, which occurred in rainy and dark conditions, has raised questions about the necessity of dedicated rain sensors in modern cars.
What Happened
The accident involved a Cybertruck that collided with a light pole while FSD was engaged. Researcher Troy Teslike noted that the crash occurred in rainy and dark conditions, which may have contributed to the failure of the FSD system. Interestingly, Teslas do not use a dedicated rain sensor, which is a standard feature in most modern cars and typically costs around $10.
Technical Limitations
Detecting rain through cameras is not an easy task, and the FSD system processes real-time visual data to estimate rainfall and adjust the wipers. This adds to the workload of the FSD computer, which is already managing complex tasks like object detection and navigation. Teslike wondered whether a dedicated rain sensor might have helped in the situation, but ultimately concluded that FSD does not seem ready for driverless operation yet.
Sensor Limitations
Teslike also noted that FSD seems to have trouble seeing road markings at night and cannot reliably detect solid objects like poles. He opined that more sensors are needed to improve the accuracy and safety of the FSD system.
Accident Details
The accident was first reported by Jonathan Challinger, a Florida-based software engineer, who stated that his Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a curb and a light post while FSD was engaged. The vehicle did not attempt to slow down or turn off the lane until it hit the curb.
Regulatory Investigation
In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles following reports of four crashes in which FSD was engaged. The regulator identified four crash reports in which a Tesla experienced a crash after entering an area of reduced roadway visibility with FSD engaged.
Conclusion
The recent accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck has raised concerns about the readiness of FSD technology for autonomous operation. The incident highlights the importance of dedicated rain sensors and the need for more sensors to improve the accuracy and safety of the FSD system. As the investigation into the accident continues, it remains to be seen how Tesla will address these concerns and improve the safety of its FSD technology.
Related Articles
- Elon Musk’s SpaceX To Land Falcon 9 First Stage Off The Coast Of The Bahamas Later This Month
- Check out more of the Future Of Mobility coverage.
Photo
Photo courtesy: Tesla