Tesla has announced the software update that enables the autopilot function in its car models. This update which is available to the Model S and new Model X will allow the cars “automatically steer down the highway, change lanes, and adjust speed in response to traffic”.
The idea of a self-driving car which is arguably new is been embraced by many car manufacturers following Google’s deployment of full self-driving cars on public roads in California. However this update does not make the cars fully self-driven, they still require a driver sitting behind the wheels.
The autopilot mode according to Tesla CEO, Elon Musk was designed to increase driver confidence on the road, he also hinted that drivers should exercise caution while using it as drivers remain liable if the car is involved in a collision.
“It should not hit pedestrians, hopefully,” he told the media. “It should handle them well.”
While Tesla is not going the Google way in deploying full self-driving cars yet, I guess its something that is to be expected in the near future. “The driver cannot abdicate responsibility. That will come at some point in the future’’. Musk also admitted software limitations such as system difficulty to work during heavy snow so drivers need to take caution.
The car is also enabled with a self-parking feature which enables the car scan for an available space and park itself when it reaches its destination.
The update will be available in North America from today while other regions will be updated in the next couple of weeks.
As interesting as this sound, am just sitting here in a corner in the city of Lagos, Nigeria imagining the deployment of these cars in this region…… eerrrhmm! I think its better imagined especially when you have to also factor in the horrifying traffic situation experienced within the past few weeks.
