Summary
- Tesla vehicles at the Fremont Factory can now take themselves to logistics lots without a driver
- The vehicles undergo camera calibration during the manufacturing process
- The camera calibration is required for all vehicles with ADAS systems
- The calibration is different for Tesla vehicles compared to other models
- Tesla’s manufacturing process at Fremont prepares vehicles for the journey to logistics lots
Article
Tesla has implemented a new process using its Full Self-Driving (FSD) platform to streamline the manufacturing of its vehicles. This new development allows Tesla cars to autonomously drive themselves to logistics lots at its factories, where they will be loaded onto haulers and transported to showrooms for customers. This marks a significant improvement in Tesla’s manufacturing process and demonstrates the capabilities of its FSD technology.
At the Fremont Factory in Northern California, Tesla vehicles are able to navigate a 1.2-mile journey from the production lines to the logistics lot without the need for a driver. They can navigate through intersections and congested areas of the massive factory footprint completely on their own. This showcases the advanced capabilities of Tesla’s FSD platform and its ability to operate in complex environments.
One of the key revelations by the head of Tesla Autopilot, Ashok Elluswamy, is the streamlining of the camera calibration process during manufacturing. Previously, vehicles required camera calibration after they were built, but Tesla is now incorporating this step into the manufacturing process. This emphasis on manufacturing efficiency aims to calibrate the vehicle’s external cameras as it moves through the production lines, eliminating the need for a separate calibration step at the end of production.
Camera calibration is a crucial step for all vehicles that use an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including Tesla vehicles. Tesla’s advanced systems, which consist of eight to nine external cameras, require calibration at a different level compared to most vehicles. This process typically takes between 20 and 25 miles to complete, and Tesla has integrated this into its manufacturing process at the Fremont Factory. By calibrating the cameras during production, Tesla is able to prepare the vehicles for their autonomous journey through the factory grounds to the logistics lots.
The integration of camera calibration into the manufacturing process demonstrates Tesla’s focus on efficiency and keeping up with the demand for its vehicles. This in-house process ensures that the vehicles are ready for autonomous operation as soon as they roll off the production lines. The seamless transition from manufacturing to logistics highlights Tesla’s commitment to advancing its manufacturing processes and utilizing its FSD technology to improve efficiency and automation.
Overall, Tesla’s implementation of FSD technology in the manufacturing process showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. By integrating camera calibration into production and enabling vehicles to autonomously navigate through the factory grounds, Tesla is streamlining the manufacturing process and enhancing the capabilities of its vehicles. This development not only improves the efficiency of production but also demonstrates the potential of autonomous driving technology in the automotive industry.
Read the full article here