Summary
- AMCI Testing conducted a review of Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (Supervised) system on over 1,000 miles of various road types
- Despite being able to perform flawlessly in many scenarios, the FSD system glitched unexpectedly and required driver intervention multiple times during testing
- The system is not classified as a Level 3 autonomous driving system, requiring the driver to be attentive and ready to take over at any moment
- AMCI Testing found that the occasional hiccups in the FSD system could lead to dangerous situations and create operator complacency issues
- The testing results come as Tesla prepares to launch its Robotaxi system, raising concerns about the safety and performance of fully autonomous driving technology.
Article
Tesla’s Full-Self Driving System Tested by AMCI
AMCI Testing, an independent automotive research firm, recently conducted extensive testing on Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (Supervised) system. The system was tested on over 1,000 miles of various road types, including city streets, rural two-lane highways, mountain roads, and highways. During the testing process, drivers had to intervene over 75 times, with an average intervention rate of once every 13 miles. The testing revealed some concerning issues with Tesla’s self-driving technology, despite its ability to flawlessly navigate certain scenarios.
Challenges with Tesla’s Full-Self Driving Technology
Despite Tesla’s long-standing promises of self-driving cars, the Full-Self Driving system still falls short of achieving Level 3 autonomy on SAE’s scale. This means that drivers must remain attentive and ready to take over control at any time, as the system can experience unexpected glitches that require intervention. AMCI Testing highlighted several instances where the Tesla Model 3 with Full-Self Driving (Supervised) enabled made critical errors, such as running a red light, crossing into oncoming traffic, and stopping at a green light.
The Impact of Operator Complacency
David Stokols, CEO of AMCI Testing’s parent company, AMCI Global, emphasized the issue of operator complacency that arises when self-driving technology falls short of being foolproof. Stokols noted that there is a compact of trust between the technology and the public, and when systems like Tesla’s Full-Self Driving fail unpredictably, it can lead to unsafe situations. AMCI’s testing results underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance and readiness when using advanced driving assistance systems.
Tesla’s Plans for a Robotaxi Service
As Tesla prepares to launch its Robotaxi service on October 10, questions arise about the company’s readiness to deploy fully autonomous vehicles. CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence in Tesla’s ability to deliver autonomous driving capabilities without relying on pre-mapped data. However, recent reports suggest that Tesla is actively collecting data in the Los Angeles area where the Robotaxi launch is scheduled. Observers have spotted test vehicles on the roads, hinting at the imminent arrival of the self-driving Cab.
Conclusion
AMCI Testing’s evaluation of Tesla’s Full-Self Driving system sheds light on the challenges and limitations of current self-driving technology. While advancements have been made in creating automated driving systems, the need for human intervention and vigilance remains crucial. As Tesla and other automakers continue to innovate in the autonomous driving space, it is essential to address the gaps and risks associated with operator complacency. The testing results serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between technology, human operators, and public safety in the realm of self-driving vehicles.
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