Analysis: Tesla Autopilot in the 'Wile E. Coyote' Test – What went wro

Have you seen Mark Rober's new video? In his post, where he tries to outsmart a Tesla, he reminds us of the classic pranks of Wile E. Coyote. However, some methodological flaws are in focus. In this article, we show you why the tests were faulty and which aspects are incorrect.

Errors in System Choice
Mark Rober used the Autopilot in the video instead of the fully automatic FSD system.

Explain Differences: While Autopilot only assists in lane keeping and speed regulation, FSD can independently swerve out of the lane to avoid collisions.
Software Age: The Autopilot used is based on older software that no longer meets current standards.

Unclear Testing Methodology and Interventions
Another point of criticism:

Manual Interventions: Rober intervened in vehicle control multiple times – whether by strong steering or pedal operation. These interventions prevented the system from fully deploying its functions.
Test Protocol: The test sequence and conditions were inconsistent and raise doubts about the objectivity of the results.

Conflicts and Sponsorship Suspicion
Sponsorship aspects also raise questions:

Luminar as a Possible Influence: There are indications that LiDAR technology from Luminar – a company closely collaborating with Tesla – may have indirectly influenced the production of the video.
Conflicts of Interest: These connections could distort the outcome and question the neutrality of the tests.

Technical Depth Assessment and Image Analysis
Rober relies on simple, monocular image processing to capture depth information.

Lack of Multi-Stage Approaches: Tesla uses multiple camera perspectives to create a detailed 3D model of the environment.
Criticism of the Method: A single camera perspective is not sufficient to accurately recognize realistic distances and objects – a significant flaw in the tests.

Conclusion and Outlook
Mark Rober’s video, in which he attempts to trick the Tesla autopilot, shows numerous methodological weaknesses. The choice of an outdated system, manual interventions, and possible conflicts of interest lead to a distorted picture. For a well-founded evaluation of the autonomous functions of Tesla, uncut, objective tests with state-of-the-art technology are required. Stay tuned – the next analyses might bring us even more clarity.