Tesla Autopilot Update

In the next few weeks Tesla expects to release its new software update for their S and X series cars. Tesla claims that the autopilot system of their vehicles allow its customers to have their hands off the steering wheel for a few minutes. While this technology may be revolutionary there have been several complaints voiced by civilians due to the car crashes and the damage caused by malfunctions in the previous autopilot system.

Tesla promises its customers that their vehicles allow their users to be hands-free in their car for a few minutes. Tesla utilizes diverse types of software to create the autopilot functions including advanced cruise control, lane change, and automatic parking. The vehicle utilizes cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and mapping data to determine the car’s location and direct the vehicle. The car also includes a “black box”, which is used to send data back to central servers and inform anyone if an accident has occurred. As reliable as this software and technology may seem, one must still wonder about the complications of driving an experimental car.

Several companies, including Google and Volvo, have been working to develop fully-autonomous cars, whereas Tesla has been working towards smoothing out some of the hardships of driving. For instance, instead of having to park the car yourself, the car will scan for available places to park and will automatically steer itself into the parking space. Tesla warns drivers that while the car can drive itself for a few minutes, the driver should always pay attention to the road. The CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, said, “The driver cannot abdicate responsibility. That at some point will come in the future.” Although Tesla has posted several warnings, drivers continue to completely depend on the autopilot mode. When you introduce new technology and science even with warnings you must expect that some people will take advantage of it. With the rise of technology, people are busy texting on social media, or playing Pokemon Go, therefore they lack the concentration to focus on their driving. This will lead to accidents that could involve property damage, or cases of serious injury to the driver, passengers, and anyone in the vicinity.

Moreover, by giving the public an experimental device, Tesla is endangering people as there is an uncertainty about how the device will function. On one occasion a Tesla vehicle failed to contrast between a white truck and the brightly colored sky, and thus collided with the truck. This malfunction resulted in the death of 40-year old Joshua Brown. This is similar to how the release of experimental Samsung S-7 Notes resulted in several explosions, which gravely injured people. By giving experimental products to people, Tesla is risking the lives of people that have family and friends that care deeply about them. This is not a risk people should be asked to take, therefore Tesla should perfect this technology first before releasing to the public again.