Tesla Announces Update To Self-Driving System

Tesla Motors chief executive Elon Musk said recently the carmaker was updating its semi-autonomous driving system Autopilot with new limits on hands-off driving that probably would have prevented a fatality in May.

Musk said the update, which will be available within a week or two through an “over-the-air” software update, would rely foremost on radar to give Tesla’s electric luxury cars a better sense of what is around them and when to brake.

New restrictions on Autopilot 8.0 are a nod to widespread concerns that autopilot can lull users into a false sense of security through its “hands-off” driving. The updated system will temporarily prevent drivers from using it if they fail to respond to audible warnings to take back control of the car.

“We’re making much more effective use of radar,” Musk told journalists on a call. “It will be a dramatic improvement in the safety of the system done entirely through software.”

Autopilot, introduced last October, has been the focus of intense scrutiny since it was revealed in July that a Tesla Model S driver, Joshua Brown, was killed while using the technology in a 7 May collision with a truck in Florida.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating Tesla’s Autopilot system since June because of the fatal accident. The agency said it had been briefed on the changes by Tesla.

“NHTSA will review those changes,” spokesman Bryan Thomas said of the new version of Autopilot. He declined to offer an update on the Tesla investigation.

Musk said it was “very likely” the improved Autopilot would have prevented the death of Brown, whose car sped into the trailer of a truck crossing a highway, but he cautioned that the update “doesn’t mean perfect safety.”….“Perfect safety is really an impossible goal,” Musk said. “It’s about improving the probability of safety. There won’t ever be zero fatalities, there won’t ever be zero injuries.”

One of the main challenges of using cameras and radars for a braking system is how to prevent so-called false positives, in which a car might think an overhead highway sign, for example, is an obstacle to be avoided.

Using radar and fleet learning, rather than relying primarily on cameras, would solve that problem, Musk said. “Anything metallic or dense, the radar system we’re confident will be able to detect that and initiate a braking event,” he said.

Silicon Valley-based Tesla is known for its innovation in luxury electric vehicles but some critics have said it was hasty in rolling out Autopilot.

Tesla stood by Autopilot after the fatality, saying it was not a “hands-free” system intended to replace the driver. Still, the fatality underscored concerns about the safety of systems that take partial control of steering and braking from drivers.

The revised system will sound warnings if drivers take their hands off the wheel for more than a minute at speeds above 45mph when there is no vehicle ahead.
The warning will sound after the driver’s hands are off the wheel for more than three minutes when the Tesla is following another car at speeds above 45mph. The dashboard also will flash a pulsing light.

If the driver ignores three audible warnings in an hour, the system will temporarily shut off until it is parked, Musk said.

Guardian
 

« A New Autonomous Tactical Drone
How Will Terrorists Use The Internet of Things? »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

Infosecurity Europe, 3-5 June 2025, ExCel London

This year, Infosecurity Europe marks 30 years of bringing the global cybersecurity community together to further our joint mission of Building a Safer Cyber World.

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

Evidian

Evidian

Evidian, a Bull Group company, is the European leader and one of the major worldwide vendors of identity and access management software.

Atomicorp

Atomicorp

Atomicorp, the leader in Secure Linux, is a developer of solutions for the protection and support of cloud, virtual, shared, and dedicated web hosting environments.

NXO France

NXO France

NXO is an independent leader in the integration and management of digital workflows with services covering digital infrastructures, communications & collaboration, and security.

LEADS

LEADS

LEADS is considered as a leading ICT Solution Provider and an IT partner of choice in Bangladesh.

Panorays

Panorays

Panorays automates third-party security lifecycle management. It is a SaaS-based platform, with no installation needed.

Prove Identity

Prove Identity

Prove (formerly Payfone) is a leader in mobile & digital identity authentication for the connected world.

Adit Ventures

Adit Ventures

Adit Ventures is a venture capital firm with a focus on dynamic growth sectors including AI & Machine Learning, Big Data, Cybersecurity and IoT.

Infinite Ranges

Infinite Ranges

Infinite Ranges delivers secure, comprehensive digital solutions by connecting experts with the best products and services for the digital age.

The ATOM Group

The ATOM Group

ATOM builds and secures technology for regulated industries. We design and build for a future we can all trust.

Nudge Security

Nudge Security

Nudge Security offer the world's first-ever SaaS security solution to discover shadow IT and curb SaaS sprawl across any device or location and nudges employees towards optimal security behavior.

SphereX Technologies

SphereX Technologies

SphereX is the first on-chain security solution for Web3 applications.

NewsGuard Technologies

NewsGuard Technologies

NewsGuard provides transparent tools to counter misinformation for readers, brands, and democracies.

InterSources

InterSources

InterSources is a trusted partner, leading the way in Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, PLG Consulting, Digital Transformation, and Professional Services.

Scope AI

Scope AI

Scope AI is an innovative technology company specializing in quantum security and machine learning.

Surf Security

Surf Security

SURF Security has transformed the browser into your strongest security asset while providing complete end-user privacy – all with full compliance.

QualySec

QualySec

QualySec is a leading cybersecurity firm specializing in comprehensive penetration testing and risk assessment services.