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Tesla’s Musk says Autopilot update would have prevented fatal crash

To boot, it will penalize inattentive drivers, Engadget reports. Most noteworthy is that the use of the radar system, which was added to all Tesla (TSLA) vehicles in 2014 to play a supplementary role, will be significantly increased. This means no more sole camera reliance when backing up the auto. Upgrades include a more advanced signal processing, which is made possible by its radar. That’s where the radar will come in. According to the publication, the system could move the radar signal around the vehicle in front of a Tesla auto and sense beyond it. The radar technology should decrease accident numbers, he noted. Any concave-shaped metallic object, like a crushed soda can, gives off an amplified signal. The radar system will now work in tandem with the other sensors, rather than acting as merely a supplement. Autopilot is a $3,000 option on a new Model S and Model X, or $3,500 if enabled after the vehicle has been delivered.

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Using radar, which detects objects by sending out pulses of electromagnetic waves to detect objects, to guide vehicles is complicated because the waves interact differently than light waves with objects in the roadway.

Musk believes that the update would probably cut accidents by more than half.

Musk reminded everyone that “perfect safety is an impossible goal”, and that their work focuses on improving the “probability of safety”. He adds that Autopilot is called beta is to reduce the driver’s comfort level while it’s on.

Drivers can now also get support from the built-in sensor. When drivers activate it, though, the display warns them to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

The update pins radar as the most important tool that could help a auto break appropriately and be more aware of its surroundings.

Musk said that, with the latest updates, the system would have identified a “large metal object across the road”. They become too reliant on its benefits.

TESLA has announced changes to its autopilot technology which it says would have saved the life of a driver who was fatally killed when his Model S collided with a truck in May.

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On Sunday a new post on Tesla’s official blog included details about a major software update for the company’s Autopilot software.

Tesla Autopilot