What happens when Tesla’s AutoPilot goes wrong: owners post swerving videos

[RKP5637]

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/oct/21/tesla-autopilot-goes-wrong-videos?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+USA+-+morning+briefing+2016&utm_term=179979&subid=12122475&CMP=ema_a-morning-briefing_b-morning-briefing_c-US_d-1

Tesla’s latest software update gave its Model S electric car the ability to drive itself with a new AutoPilot mode, but as a collection of owners have found out, two hands on the wheel are most definitely needed at all times.

The new feature, released in beta, uses radar and camera sensors to detect the distance to cars in front to judge speed and brake, while monitoring the white lane lines to guide it round corners. Several other cars from Volvo, Mercedes, Audi and others do similar, but have yet to be able to change lanes like Tesla.

On release, Tesla’s chief executive, Elon Musk, said: “We’re being especially cautious at this early stage, so we’re advising drivers to keep their hands on the wheel just in case. The software is very new.”

The car will chime to remind drivers to put their hands back on the wheel, but that hasn’t stopped people experimenting – with hair-raising effects.

[Jim__]

1. Tesla driver killed in crash while using car's 'Autopilot'

According to this article, there's already been a fatality in the US.

From phys.org:

The first U.S. fatality using self-driving technology took place in May when the driver of a Tesla S sports car operating the vehicle's "Autopilot" automated driving system died after a collision with a truck in Florida, federal officials said Thursday.

The government is investigating the design and performance of Tesla's system.

Preliminary reports indicate the crash occurred when a tractor-trailer rig made a left turn in front of the Tesla at an intersection of a divided highway where there was no traffic light, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The Tesla driver died due to injuries sustained in the crash, which took place May 7 in Williston, Florida, the agency said. The city is southwest of Gainesville.

Tesla said on its website that neither the driver nor the Autopilot noticed the white side of the trailer, which was perpendicular to the Model S, against the brightly lit sky, and neither applied the brakes.

more ...

[RKP5637]

4. Yep, I posted that just before I saw this. It's a good start, but none should trust it to be

infallible. It's still in Beta.

[whatthehey]

2. Why did the silly fuckers have to "find out" on the road

When the company already made it clear?


https://www.teslamotors.com/presskit/autopilot

[RKP5637]

3. Exactly! It's in Beta mode. ... means something will likely fail for sure. n/t