Once again, Tesla has proved itself as an industry leader, rolling out its 2023 AI updates that revolutionize not just vehicle automation but also owner experience.
Let’s dive deep into this year’s AI updates, unpacking the key highlights and the impact they have on the way we drive.
In 2023, Tesla released two significant software updates, 2023.11.4.2 and 2023.12.9, which brought about stealth changes, introducing advanced features that enhanced the safety, convenience, and overall driving experience of Tesla owners.
Unmasking the Stealth Features
The 2023.11.4.2 update came with several stealth changes, including an improved automatic wiper system known as ‘autowiper v4‘ and an enhanced automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. The automatic wiper system, which has been a part of Tesla vehicles since 2018, uses Autopilot cameras to determine the speed of the wipers based on rain or snow intensity. Tesla’s solution was an update known as “Deep Rain“, which was implemented in 2019.
However, the improvement was marginal, and the update was met with criticism from owners who found it less accurate than other systems using rain sensors. Now, with the new update, Tesla owners have the option to disable “Deep Rain” if they find it less effective.
The other significant safety update is the improved AEB system, which can now brake for vehicles cutting into your lane. This feature is a significant step forward in ensuring safety as it reduces the risk of collisions with vehicles that unexpectedly move into your path.
For Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta users, the 2023.11.4.2 update brought about a change in the suspension policy for misuse, reducing the suspension period from two weeks to one week.
One notable change of the 2023 Tesla AI update is the transition from video-based perception to AI-driven control. Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, announced that with version 12 of Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software, the cars will be fully AI-controlled. This means that the vehicles can not only perceive their surroundings through cameras but also make intelligent decisions based on that perception.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta has been in limited access, but its capabilities are steadily expanding. Tesla Vision, the backbone of FSD, now enables your Tesla to execute complex maneuvers, like lane changes off the highway, navigation around objects, and even making left and right turns.
With FSD Beta v11.3.6, Tesla unified its vision and planning stack both on and off-highway. The update improves recall for cut-in cases, especially for large trucks, and enhances position handling in wide lanes. Additionally, the system now provides better handling in scenarios with high curvature or large trucks, and it offers improved lane change maneuvers in dense traffic.
The 2023.12.9 Update: Tesla AI
The 2023.12.9 software update introduced a slew of enhancements that have truly redefined the Tesla driving experience. The AEB system received another substantial update, now better detecting perpendicular movement and operating at speeds up to 124mph, up from 90mph. This improvement could significantly reduce the risk of T-bone collisions at intersections and other situations.
Tesla’s Autopilot system also received a considerable update, adding traffic-aware cruise control, autosteer (beta), and navigate on Autopilot (beta), making the vehicle smarter and more responsive to traffic conditions. Furthermore, the Speed Assist feature was improved to more accurately display the speed limit within different areas, thanks to advancements in visual computing.
An interesting update is the introduction of refined driver control settings. Now, Tesla owners have the option to disable “anonymous data collection,” providing a significant boost to user privacy. In addition, the air suspension settings for the Model S and Model X have been made more flexible. Drivers can now elect for temporarily raised or lowered suspension settings to remain in place up to 35mph and can even set suspension settings for specific locations.
Taking the Model S Plaid to the Next Level
The 2023.12.9 update wasn’t just about enhancing safety and convenience. Tesla also brought some adrenaline-pumping changes for the Model S Plaid owners. The Model S Plaid can now be equipped with the “Track Package” – bringing carbon-ceramic brakes, lighter wheels and track-day tyres.
Your Extra Pair of Eyes
Tesla Vision Park Assist, a new feature, provides visual and audio alerts of surrounding objects, enhancing the parking experience by offering high-definition outlines of objects around the car.
Understanding the intentions of pedestrians is one of the most challenging aspects of driving. Tesla’s AI is making strides in recognizing pedestrian body language, allowing the vehicles to anticipate their next moves. By analyzing subtle cues and patterns, such as gestures and eye contact, Tesla’s AI can better predict pedestrian behavior, contributing to a safer driving experience.
Conclusion
The 2023 Tesla AI update marks an important milestone in the world of autonomous driving. By harnessing the power of AI, Tesla is revolutionizing how vehicles perceive, navigate, and interact with the world around them. From thinking ahead to reading pedestrian cues, Tesla’s AI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. While challenges remain, the future of autonomous driving looks promising, and Tesla continues to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking technology.
So buckle up, because the era of AI-driven vehicles is here, and Tesla is leading the charge into a future where our cars become intelligent companions on the road.
Note: The views and opinions expressed by the author, or any people mentioned in this article, are for informational purposes only, and they do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice.
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