While the cars do seem very capable of sticking to the road when autopilot mode is activated, with them automatically changing lanes and adjusting their speed in response to traffic, Tesla will not be legally responsible if the vehicles are involved in any accidents.
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Tesla’s autopilot technology uses a combination of cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors and mapping data to determine the car’s position and navigate. These mutually reinforcing systems offer realtime data feedback from the Tesla fleet, ensuring that the system is continually learning and improving upon itself.
“We’re being especially cautious at this stage so we’re advising drivers to keep their hands on the wheel just in case”, Musk told reporters at the company’s Silicon Valley headquarters.
Musk predicted that in three years Tesla will have perfected a system that will allow fully autonomous driving.
We may not be living in the future quite yet, but even in its beta state, you have to admit: this vehicle is a better driver than a few of the humans you know. Jalopnik test drove the auto in New York, taking it through traffic-heavy routes and found it to be safe and sensible in its approach to breaking speed, changing lanes and other vehicles on the road.
CEO Elon Musk also urged drivers to exercise caution with the new software.
The autopilot update would be added to about 60,000 vehicles worldwide, including Model S sedans made after September 2014 and Model X SUVs. He also said in the end of his review “We love driving”.
If a driver’s hands leaves the wheel for more than 10 seconds, the vehicle will turn its hazard lights on and begin to slow down.
Where it gets its best use though is on open highway driving where conditions are more predictable. With the newest software, the Tesla Model S will search out parking spots for you when you arrive at your destination and will even do the hard work of parallel parking for you.
The software update also includes an instrument-panel redesign and upgrades to cruise controls and side collision warning systems.
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The automaker is careful to point out that the current version of Tesla Autopilot requires the driver to occasionally hold the steering wheel, as one way to keep the driver engaged.
