Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" beta tests may be imminent, here's the lowdown:
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, tweeted on the 9th, hinting at the upcoming release of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta for a select group of testers. This group, estimated to be under 2,000 individuals, has been testing the FSD software for nearly a year. Their experiences have stirred both admiration and criticism. Tesla hasn't disclosed the criteria for selecting these testers or how many will be invited to the first public test.
Critics argue that Tesla has not consulted pedestrians, cyclists, or other road users about testing autonomous driving on public roads. Despite these criticisms, Tesla has remained tight-lipped and rarely engages with mainstream media.
Drivers must make compromises regarding data privacy to gain early access to the FSD technology. They must agree to allow Tesla to collect data on their driving style and make judgments based on that data.
Here are some frequently asked questions about this technology:
What is self-driving technology?
Tesla claimed in 2016 that all its new cars came with hardware capable of self-driving and promised that software updates would enable the cars to drive autonomously. Musk suggested that passengers could even nap in self-driving Tesla cars. This self-driving technology, however, is far from meeting these ambitious expectations and requires driver attention to ensure safety.
Tesla is introducing FSD due to customer frustration and dissatisfaction with the wait for the technology. Some are growing increasingly skeptical of Musk's claims.
Even a Tesla driver admitted, "FSD Beta does not make my car self-driving."
Most autonomous driving experts believe that true self-driving means passengers can nap at the wheel, requiring no attentive human driver. Regulatory agencies have repeatedly criticized Tesla's use of the term "full self-driving."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into a rearward-moving Tesla vehicle using Autopilot and demanded large amounts of data from automakers regarding their driver assistance systems. Hard talks continue.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) stated on the 9th, "Tesla seems to be concocting a recipe for disaster by sending inexperienced drivers to test their misleading and unproven system on public roads." "Serious safety concerns should negate this reckless plan. It's Russian roulette for naive drivers and the public."
Blumenthal called for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Tesla's Autopilot function and welcomed the NHTSA's investigation.
How does Tesla choose drivers for FSD?
Tesla announced on the 7th that they would release a "Safety Score," supposedly assessing a driver's likelihood of an accident. Tesla states that this score considers hard braking, aggressive turns, close following, front collision warnings, and disabling Autopilot (Autopilot typically refers to Tesla's basic driver assistance functions, such as adaptive cruise control).
Musk stated that drivers achieving good scores within seven days would receive FSD beta access.
Several comments about Tesla's safety scoring system have surfaced on social media. Some people expressed gratitude and acceptance, while others were surprised by their high scores or felt their scores were too low. Others described manipulating the system to improve their scores, although this is not typical behavior of a safe driver.
A Tesla owner claimed to have received 95 out of 100 points after running a red light, not braking for a cyclist, and driving over a stop sign.
Musk stated that the Safety Score would evolve over time to better predict the likelihood of an accident.
Not everyone will gain access yet
Drivers of older Tesla Touchscreen computers in their vehicles have reported difficulties signing up for FSD beta on social media and CNN Business.
Owners of older models also had limited access before the FSD hardware update in 2016. Overseas Tesla owners also reported on social media that they can't apply for "full self-driving." It's unclear exactly how many individuals will have the opportunity to request FSD beta access or when they can begin overseeing autonomous vehicles. Tesla has not disclosed how many drivers have purchased the FSD option, when, or how many can remotely oversee autonomous driving.
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Enrichment Insights:
- Tesla selects drivers for FSD beta testing through a combination of a proprietary safety scoring system and specific criteria.
- Tesla's safety scoring system is based on factors such as hard braking, aggressive turns, close following, front collision warnings, and disabling Autopilot.
- Tesla continues to monitor FSD beta participants and provides feedback through steering wheel control notifications.
- Tesla has recalled the FSD beta due to safety concerns and has also released software updates to address issues and improve system reliability.
- Tesla's FSD beta has faced regulatory scrutiny from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Despite Tesla's safety measures, the FSD beta still requires driver attention to ensure safety, as it is not entirely autonomous.
