Tesla will roll out an upgrade to the\u00a0autopilot software for its electric vehicles in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
The use of more advanced signal processing to create a “picture of the world” through radar is the focus of the upgrade.<\/p>\n
Radar was added to all Tesla vehicles in October 2014 as part of the Autopilot hardware suite, but was only meant to be a supplementary sensor to the primary camera and image processing system.<\/p>\n
“We now believe it can be used as a primary control sensor,” said Tesla.<\/p>\n
The radar can see people, but they appear translucent. Wood or painted plastic is almost as transparent as glass to radar, while any metal surface with a dish shape is reflective and is amplified to many times its actual size.<\/p>\n
To help\u00a0its cars’ radar avoid false alarms, Tesla’s new software\u00a0unlocks access to six-times as many radar objects with the same hardware – with a lot more information per object.<\/p>\n
Those radar snapshots, which take place every tenth of a second, are assembled into a 3D “picture” of the world.<\/p>\n
“Most\u00a0difficult is handling approaching a bridge where the road dips underneath, as this often looks like a collision course.”<\/p>\n
For this, Tesla said it has to use its\u00a0fleet learning system.<\/p>\n
Tesla batteries have reached their limit \u2013 here\u2019s how they could go further<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Watch: Tesla Model S catches fire and is consumed in 5 minutes<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n