Tesla Autopilot 2.0: Goalposts for the Next Generation of Autopilot Hardware Suite
Despite its name, Autopilot is not a fully autonomous system but rather a partly autonomous one. It’s not totally like the “driverless” technology Google and other manufacturers are trying to come up with. However, they’re essentially similar. The Tesla Autopilot 2.0 has just recently been up this year, and aficionados are eagerly waiting for the next updates and features to be unveiled. Let’s discuss how Tesla Autopilot 2.0 is turning out to be and what we can potentially anticipate.
Tesla’s Big Boss claims ‘moderate to big’ improvements for Autopilot software and hardware
In 2014, Tesla introduced the hardware setup which activates the Autopilot mode. This is covered by their so-called D Package. A year after, they released another major software and hardware update with features, such as Autopark and Autosteer. Now, they are up for something bigger. A whole new set of hardware upgrades can be expected for the much-awaited Autopilot 2.0. Elon Musk has recently announced that there are going to be moderate to big enhancements for their new software and hardware system.
Tesla is seemingly rooting for the potential improvements of the current version’s software, which covers front-facing radar, front-facing camera, and 360° ultrasonic sensors. Their updated Autopilot software is still under beta testing. It will also cover an updated UI on the dash which will display other cars on the road more accurately, as well as the angle and direction they’re moving in. Some rumors also state that it can distinguish and identify stop signs and traffic lights. The company is also on the verge of improving their computer hardware and location maps. Tesla is said to continue working with Nvidia in developing their computer platform for self-driving vehicles.
Amid all the updates and enhancements, one thing is for sure; the new upgrades will bring the world a step closer to experiencing cars with absolutely autonomous self-driving capacity.
Tesla Autopilot 2.0: next generation Autopilot powered by better radar and new triple camera
The upcoming setup will include a new camera system. This is going to be based on Mobileye’s Front-facing Trifocal Constellation, which highlights a narrow camera with a 25° FOVor field of view for redundancy in detecting objects, a main 50° FOV camera for general inputs. Traffic lines and lanes, as well as a fisheye 150° FOV camera for lane cutting, parallel lanes, and pedestrian and cyclist detection. The 360° ultrasonic sensor introduced in 2014 as well as the Autosteer and Autopark feature launched in 2015 were all good. However, things have just got better with significant software and hardware upgrades for the Autopilot 2.0 sensor suite. The next gen Autopilot will feature some over-the-air software updates. There will be additional radars throughout the car to support the forward-oriented radar used in existing models. Their new sensor component is also said to enable level 3 autonomous driving and will reach the level 4 state sooner than you imagine. In a level 3 self-drive, the driver can safely take his eyes off the road when the vehicle is automatically in control but may still have to intervene in case of emergencies. A level 4 autonomous car, on the other hand, is more advanced as it can switch its mind (or rather processors) off the driving task when the vehicle is set in autopilot mode.
Source: https://www.thecountrycaller.com/46437-tesla-motors-inc-tsla-autopilot-20-with-more-radar-triple-camera-coming-soon/
Tesla Autopilot 2.0: retrofit to next gen sensors will possibly be available for new owners
Since the news about Tesla Autopilot 2.0 circulated, people have been discussing whether there is a chance of a retrofit for the new set of sensors on the existing Model X and Model S. Having a retrofit is really possible. However, perhaps not all Tesla owners can have it.
Some Autopilot hardware elements are said to be already integrated into cars that are now under production. This includes the housing for the triple camera system on rearview mirrors and wiring harnesses.
As mentioned above, instead of only one front-facing camera of the existing version, the upcoming model will feature 3 front-facing cameras. A retrofit for this more advanced camera system could be seen on some Model X and Model S versions that have recently been produced. Some new owners of Tesla Model X have reportedly received versions with dual front-facing camera instead of just one.
Challenges and Solutions
Amazing things don’t come easy. If it comes easy, it’s not amazing. Tesla’s project belongs to the amazing side of the world, and they did get their fair share of challenges while promoting their advocacy. Last July, a fatal accident involving a Tesla car transpired. Joshua Brown, the driver,died after the autopilot sensor on a Model S car failed to determine a white tractor- trailer across the highway against the bright sky. The incident has affected the whole auto industry, and regulators have moved to tighten their rules in terms of approving automated driving technology.
Tesla contended with slip-ups, but they make sure to avoid the same oversights from ever happening again. The upcoming Autopilot 2.0 has been designed to be equipped with software and hardware components that will bring about a safer driving experience to the market. The makers are focusing on safety above all else. On top of that, they will also gear further towards working on sustainable energy projects. This involves the integration of energy storage and generation, expansion to the creation of public transport and trucks, realization of fully autonomous cars, and progress in terms of research and development. They also aim to deliver all these advancements at the most reasonable price that can cater to multiple market levels.
Final Words
Tesla remains to be a big player in the industry. Despite the inevitable challenges and the tight competition, the company remains to be focused in beating their own game by continually finding the best means to perfect their autopilot system and expand their growth. Before the final launching of their next big model, further updates could pop up. So, if you are planning to grab Tesla Autopilot 2.0, stay tuned for more news about its progress.
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