Tesla renames driving software in Europe amid criticism

Tesla has renamed its controversial driver assistance software in Europe following years of criticism that its previous name was misleading. The software, previously called "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)", is now referred to as "Tesla Assisted Driving" on the electric car manufacturer's European websites, including Germany. This change aims to clearly communicate that the system is only intended as an assistance feature, not for autonomous driving.

The name change comes after accusations that the previous title suggested the vehicles could drive themselves autonomously, while in reality, drivers must remain alert and ready to take over control at any moment. Drivers also bear the responsibility if any driving errors occur. Incidents have been reported where Tesla drivers have temporarily abandoned the steering wheel, diverted their attention from the road, or even fallen asleep while the vehicle was in motion.

Previously, the system was described as "Autopilot", a term that Tesla decided to abandon after various legal disputes. While the company has modified the name in Europe, it still uses "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" in its home market, the United States, despite ongoing criticism and investigations by the local transportation safety authority.

The term "Full Self-Driving" originated from promises made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk that the company's cars would be fully autonomous, a concept he has been advocating for over a decade as a near-future achievement. Recently, Tesla initiated the production of a robotaxi, a vehicle devoid of a steering wheel and pedals, and has been testing some self-driving cars in the U.S. However, Tesla has faced regulatory hurdles from the U.S. traffic safety administration, as current regulations require a physical brake pedal, which Tesla's design does not include. Tesla did not seek an exemption from these rules.

Following initial criticism, Tesla added the term "Supervised" to the name, indicating the system's current status. In compliance with European regulations for new vehicles, the system includes an interior camera to monitor driver attentiveness. If the driver’s attention wanes, the system auto-deactivates. This implementation underscores the need for constant supervision, a requirement Tesla hopes to remove in the future as more oversight capabilities are developed.

Elon Musk's vision for autonomous vehicles has been met with skepticism by many experts and competitors. While Musk holds that cameras and artificial intelligence alone can suffice for self-driving capabilities, companies like Waymo, a subsidiary of Google, utilize a comprehensive array of sensors including radar and lidar to monitor the vehicle surroundings extensively. Critics argue that Tesla's reliance on cameras may not ensure sufficient safety in poor visibility conditions or intense sunlight.

Currently, the European Union's Technical Committee of Motor Vehicles is deliberating on whether to authorize the Tesla assistance system for wider use in Europe. In the Netherlands, the system has already received provisional approval since April, and six other countries have followed suit. Nonetheless, some countries, such as France and Sweden, continue to express concerns. A final decision on the system’s broader acceptance is anticipated no sooner than December.

Source: spiegel.de

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