Tesla's Latest Software Update Improves Autopilot Safety

Tesla is forcing its drivers to take the wheel following a software update aimed at improving the safety of the automaker’s Autopilot system.

In what the automaker is calling an “enhanced safety requirement,” the car’s computer will disable Autosteer if the driver “ignores repeated warnings” and won’t allow the system to be reengaged until the car is parked. Tesla didn’t say how many warnings the system would provide the driver before disabling the system.

The changes to the self-steering system are part of a larger software update that emphasizes the use of radar over cameras when Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot system is engaged. Originally incorporated in the automaker’s vehicles starting in late 2014, the radar system was originally intended to supplement the cameras used for Autopilot driving. With Version 8.0 of Tesla’s software, radar takes over primary responsibilities for safety during semi-autonomous driving.

ALSO SEE: Tesla Turns to Radar to Make Autopilot Safer

While radar is unaffected by weather, it struggles to differentiate between small and large objects. To combat this, Tesla has made improvements to its radar that allow it “access to six times as many objects with the same hardware,” while stitching together radar images “into a 3D picture of the world.”
Tesla’s cars will also now map signs, bridges and other large, stationary objects and add them to a “geocoded whitelist” that are accessible across the automaker’s network.

The updates to Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving suite come in the wake of a number of crashes that have occurred while Autopilot was purportedly engaged. There has been no proof that the systems have actually caused any crashes.

ALSO SEE: Autopilot Not to Blame in Fatal Accident Involving Model S, Tesla Says

Other updates in Version 8.0 of Tesla’s software include a redesign of the infotainment system’s touchscreen layout to provide an uncluttered view of the map, and clearer voice command recognition. The gull wing doors on the Model X also now open and close more quickly.