Musk's Cruise Control: A Test Drive of Tesla's FSD Beta V12 Creates New Roadmaps in Driver-Assist Technology
In a dynamic demonstration of technological prowess, Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently test-drove the latest Full Self-driving Beta V12 through a hectic rush hour in Palo Alto. The drive, which lasted for three quarters of an hour, showcased the enhanced abilities of the driver-assist software, including the smooth handling of complex tasks like unprotected left turns. The revolutionary software managed the entire journey with minimal human intervention, proceeding to park itself upon reaching the arranged destination.
Further highlighting the strides Tesla has made, the HW3 cameras functioned at their maximum input power, though Musk noted that road conditions required only 24 frames per second (FPS) for the FSD V12 software, despite its capacity to handle up to 50 FPS. Among the key improvements is a new method the software uses to learn, processing large amounts of video instead of relying on specific codes for individual road elements, resulting in a leaner and more efficient codebase.
Additionally, Musk shared intriguing insights into human driving habits, citing data indicating that only 0.5% of drivers bring their vehicles to a complete stop at stop signs. This statistic served as a springboard for broader discussions on how federal regulations impact the development and application of driver-assist software. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wrapping up its investigation into Tesla's autonomous driving technology, the future may bring stricter rules demanding higher driver engagement and more warnings. As Tesla pushes the envelope of what's possible with driving technology, the journey to Full Self-Driving continues to be as captivating as it is challenging.