The system currently relies on a single
forward-facing camera, a long-range radar and multiple short-range ultrasonic
sonar sensors to help keep control the Model S and Model X. The configuration provides Level 2 autonomy,
simultaneously managing vehicle speed and steering but requiring the human
driver to remain attentive and 'in control' of operation. Read more
after the cut…
The first fatal Autopilot
accident demonstrated the limitations of such Level 2
technology when the driver is not paying attention. The Model S' single camera
apparently failed to distinguished a semi-trailer across the driving lane,
while the radar likely misinterpreted the flat surface as an overhead bridge or
sign. Autopilot 2.0 will address the
limitations by integrating a unique front-facing triple camera system and more
radar sensors, presumably located at each corner, sources have told Electrek.
The additional sensors are expected to enable
Level 3 autonomy, allowing the vehicle to operate fully autonomously in certain
driving situations. Such systems will initially be focused on highway cruising,
alerting drivers to retake control when exiting into urban areas.
"The driver is expected to be available for
occasional control, but with sufficiently comfortable transition time,"
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration writes in its description
for Level 3 systems. Tesla's hardware upgrade could
also be preparing for Level 4 fully-autonomous driving, potentially achievable
through additional software revisions, however the company has not yet
officially announced such details. Chief
executive Elon Musk has hinted that advancements in radar technology could be
capable of replicating the 'coarse point cloud' that allows expensive lidar equipment to produce a
three-dimensional map of the vehicle's surroundings.
The latest report suggests new Tesla vehicles are
already rolling off the assembly line with certain components, such as wiring
harnesses and camera housings, that will eventually support the new Autopilot
2.0 sensor suite.
Credit; leftlanenews
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