Tesla’s autonomous ride-hailing service is struggling to meet expectations due to safety concerns surrounding its “Full Self-Driving” software. The company has faced criticism after drivers using the feature crashed into objects, including other cars and animals, despite the software being enabled.
Regulators are taking notice, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launching an investigation into Tesla’s use of camera sensors instead of more advanced technology like LiDAR and radar. The probe centers on a decision made by CEO Elon Musk in 2022 to ditch ultrasonic sensors in its vehicles, which could be a major mistake as the company tries to catch up with competitors.
The NHTSA has identified four collisions, one of which was fatal last year, involving Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. The agency noted that reduced roadway visibility conditions like sun glare, fog, or airborne dust can significantly impair the vehicle’s ability to detect and respond to its surroundings while FSD is enabled.
Industry experts warn that relying solely on camera sensors could lead to issues, particularly in adverse weather conditions. A recent video by Out of Spec Videos showed the software easily confused in a rainstorm.
Tesla’s overpromising and underdelivering has raised questions about CEO Musk’s leadership. Despite significant investments in AI training infrastructure, the company’s FSD software is still far from being ready for prime time. The NHTSA investigation could potentially lead to a recall down the road, further complicating Tesla’s plans for a robotaxi service.
Source: https://futurism.com/elon-musk-mistake-full-self-driving-cameras