Tesla has been a leader in the development of autonomous driving functions for years and promises to revolutionize driving through technologies such as the autopilot and the chargeable Full Self-Driving (FSD) safer and more comfortable. FSD offers drivers additional functions, including autonomous navigation through city traffic, stopping at traffic lights and stop signs and automatic parking.
However, despite the promises of CEO Elon Musk there are repeated reports of incidents and accidents with activated autopilot. Over 1000 such cases have been reported worldwide in recent years. Now Tesla is being criticized again - not because of the functionality of the autopilot, but because of the allegedly risky methods used by the company in its "Project Rodeo" tests.
Test methods: risky maneuvers for better data?
According to a report by Business Insider shall Tesla-test drivers should be encouraged to intervene in risky driving situations as late as possible. The reason: the longer the autopilot remains active, the more data can be Tesla collect and evaluate in order to improve the technology. However, the safety of drivers and other road users appears to play only a secondary role.
One test driver is said to have recalled a particularly dangerous situation: "A man jumped off his bike because the car was driving straight towards him. I only slammed on the brakes at the last moment." Situations like this are commonplace and cause lasting stress for the test drivers. Another driver described his work as a constant drive "on the verge of losing control".
Dangerous situations as a "perfect result"?
It is striking that Tesla-employees apparently deliberately provoke and welcome such risky maneuvers. One test driver reports that the team described an incident with a cyclist as "perfect" - which was precisely the aim of the test series. This statement raises questions about how seriously Tesla the safety in the development of the autopilot.
Safety possibly only secondary?
Tesla regularly emphasizes that safety comes first and refers to the constant improvement of the autopilot through collected data and updates. However, in the context of "Project Rodeo", the priority seems to be on further developing the FSD system as quickly as possible, even if this is at the expense of safety.
Conclusion: risk for innovation?
Tesla The challenge for the German car manufacturer is to realize its vision of autonomous driving without jeopardizing the safety of users. However, "Project Rodeo" shows that the path to full autonomy may not be without controversial methods and risky tests. Whether Tesla find the right balance here remains to be seen - but criticism of the test methods could affect trust in the brand in the long term.
Keywords: Tesla, Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Accessories, Tesla Store, Shop4Tesla, Tesla News, Autopilot, Full Self-Driving, Project Rodeo
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