Summary
– Follow CleanTechnica for daily news updates via email or Google News
– Driving automation has progressed since 2016, with Tesla offering features like Smart Cruise and Steering Assist
– Tesla’s Full Self Driving (Supervised) can autonomously drive in low traffic conditions, observing lane centering, speed limits, and traffic lights
– Some issues include slow response at stop signs, difficulty in finding gaps to turn at busy intersections, and limitations on U-turns
– The current Full Self Driving (Supervised) system still requires driver intervention and may shut down if the driver is not paying attention
Article
Automated driving technology has come a long way since its inception in 2016, with Tesla offering driving automation features like Smart Cruise and Steering Assist. While older models required calibration and had limitations, newer versions like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) showcase significant advancements in autonomous driving capabilities. These include smooth lane-keeping, automatic lane changes, traffic light and speed sign recognition, and adaptive cruising in various scenarios. However, the technology still has limitations such as slower response at stop signs, difficulty in navigating busy intersections, and the need for human intervention in certain situations.
Despite the progress in driving automation, current systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) fall short of Level 4 automation, requiring constant human supervision and intervention. While the technology can handle many driving tasks autonomously, drivers must be prepared to take over control at any moment. This limitation raises questions about the feasibility of fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or drivers. Additionally, the current requirement for periodic torque input on the steering wheel to verify driver attentiveness has been criticized for being cumbersome compared to other systems that rely on sensors or cameras to monitor driver engagement.
However, advancements in autonomous driving technology are expected to address some of these issues. Rumors suggest that the next version of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) may eliminate the need for torque input on the steering wheel under certain conditions, such as sufficient cabin illumination and clear visibility of the driver’s face. This improvement could enhance the user experience and move closer towards truly hands-free driving capabilities. Nevertheless, the current state of automated driving still requires active human oversight and intervention, indicating that fully autonomous vehicles may still be a future goal rather than a current reality.
Overall, the development of driving automation technology has shown significant progress over the years, with systems like Full Self-Driving (Supervised) offering advanced features like autonomous lane-keeping and adaptive cruising. While there are still limitations and challenges to overcome, ongoing advancements and improvements in automation technology indicate a promising future for autonomous driving. As technology continues to evolve, the possibility of fully autonomous vehicles with minimal human intervention becomes increasingly feasible, providing potential benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and convenience on the roads.
Read the full article here
