A seven-year-old video showing a Tesla self-driving car has sparked much debate and controversy in recent months. The film, which was shot during the early stages of self-driving software, has been accused of misleading the public with inaccurate information. A Tesla engineer, however, has stepped forward to say that the film was never intended to be a realistic depiction of what was accessible to customers in 2016, but rather a demonstration of what was possible to incorporate into the system.
Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla’s Director of Autopilot software, testified as part of CEO Elon Musk’s trial initiated by shareholder claims. He acknowledged that the video was made with 3D mapping over a predefined route, and that test drivers intervened on many occasions. He also noted that the movie was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of self-driving technology rather than the technology’s current state. The video has been archived on Tesla’s website, with a tagline suggesting that the driver is merely present for legal reasons and that the car is driving itself.
The business has advised drivers that while using Autopilot, they must retain their hands on the wheel and maintain control of their vehicles. According to Tesla’s website, the technology is intended to aid with steering, braking, speed, and lane changes, but it does not make the vehicle autonomous. The US Department of Justice launched a criminal inquiry into Tesla’s claims that its electric vehicles may drive themselves in 2021, following a series of tragic collisions employing Autopilot.
To summarise, while the film may have misled some viewers, it was never intended to be a true depiction of the current state of self-driving technology. Instead, it was intended to demonstrate the technology’s possibilities and what could be accomplished in the future. As usual, it is critical for users to be informed of the technology’s limitations and to use it properly.
