What exactly happened in the accident?
When driving with the autopilot function of an electric Tesla Model S first time a driver is killed in an accident. The clash of the partially self-driving cars with a truck occurred on May 7 on a highway in Florida and has only now announced by a notice of Tesla. Well studied, the US Transportation Security Administration, if the semi-automated system worked correctly in the crash. According to NHTSA concerns the preliminary inquiry about 25,000 Tesla Model S Model of 2015.
According to previously matched details of Tesla and the NHTSA of the fatal accident at an intersection without traffic lights happened. The truck driver came from the side and crossed the path of the Tesla, while the two collided. The Tesla is driven under the semi-trailer trailer, while the lower edge have met the windshield.
How could this happen?
According to statements made by Tesla, the sensors and the camera of the Model S could not the white side wall of the intersecting trailer from where day especially bright sky differ. The trailer was not recognized as an obstacle and activates accordingly no hard braking. Experts surprised that, because just radars would recognize such an obstacle properly and are – unlike, for example cameras – not rely on color contrasts.
In particular, the cameras self-propelled cars are namely otherwise rely on unique optical input. Hardly recognizable lane markings are provided for example for the proper function of tracking systems. Snow, but at night even rain may reduce the visibility of Central and border strip and make the system useless.
Does this mean that technology is to blame?
No, because the driver is explicitly stated by Tesla to never take your hands off the wheel and the to retain control and responsibility over the vehicle. This is also required by current legislation in Germany, although systems allowed with which a vehicle temporarily drives autonomously. But only if they can be overridden at any time on or off by the driver.
Video: Fatal accident with Tesla Autopilot
How does the system in the Tesla Model S
Tesla offers its “autopilot” system called on all vehicles, since October 2015, previously delivered vehicles could retrofit the feature via software update. Using radar sensors and cameras keeps the autopilot distance driving in cars, stays on track and can – something it was not until then – also overtake autonomously if the driver to overtaking activated by double-tapping the indicator and by a short hand-ans -Lenkrad-Lay confirmed. Tesla explicitly emphasizes in his statement on the death of model S-driver that the autopilot function must be activated deliberately by the user and will also be noted under this activation that in the use of the function is always the hands should be on the steering wheel. It is further stated that in any use in everyday life of the driver might be advised to keep their hands on the steering wheel ( “Always keep your hands on the wheel. Be prepared to take over at any time.”) And that the vehicle carry out checks regularly would if the hands are actually driving. Many videos on the topic “Tesla autopilot” on YouTube to see how the drivers for minutes taking hands off the wheel and are by no means prompted grow things back into their own hands.
What is Tesla the
the official statement from the manufacturer to the hands-on question:
“There is a maximum time limit on the period in which the Tesla automatic steering tolerated, that it does not recognize any differential torque, indicating that human hands are on the steering wheel. it should be noted that the required differential torque presupposes not merely passive touch, but rather that by firm hand contact a differential rotational force of at least 0 , 29 Nm is applied. Therefore represents a lack of differential torque no definite signs of letting go of the steering wheel by the driver is because of the driver’s hands to exercise in many cases (eg straight road) no differential rotational force, unless the driver turns the steering wheel pulls to one side or the other side. The duration, in which the Tesla tolerated automatic steering that any differential torque is detected, varies depending on the driving conditions. “
Can someone please translate?
Yes. to detect whether the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel takes place via steering motions ( “differential torque”). Simple manual application is therefore not sufficient, but it must be controlled effectively, and with a force can not be controlled from 0.29 Nm. If, that is, but not automatically mean that the hands are not behind the wheel, because, as argued Tesla, on a straight road, it draws not so strong. How long the Tesla tolerated that one not deflected, depending on the driving situation. on a highway so there may be that the autopilot for a long time come to believe that you can keep your hands off the wheel.
What is different the Tesla system of which German manufacturer?
the hardware for the semi-automated driving Tesla differs from competitors only barely or not. The functions are similar. As Mercedes has in its driver assistance system, the so-called “Intelligent Drive”, which automatically stops off the vehicle in front brakes autonomously or in danger. The greatest differences lie mainly in the software. Tesla updated its vehicles over cellular ( “over the air”) to implement new features – which also applies to safety-related equipment such as the autopilot.
Even otherwise there are differences, and indeed serious: For example, while Mercedes’s driver to prompt a few seconds to take his hands back on the steering wheel, the Tesla makes only very selectively – as when the autopilot recognizes that it has its limits – as in poor visibility.
The Tesla system is a so-called beta version. What does that mean?
The term beta version comes from the software industry and refers to a software product that is not yet fully completed and still may contain errors, but is nevertheless introduced into the market , The customers in the beta version (often at a reduced price or completely free) reflect the product then act as a kind of tester – and help with their feedback to finalize the product or to improve. The advantage of this approach are greater flexibility and speed in the implementation of innovations. So Tesla brought his example autopilot well ahead of the established manufacturers on the market, although the least at the same level are technologically as the newcomer from the US.
Is this in the automotive industry common?
Beta versions, which are continually updated via cellular, are still a feature of Tesla. But Peter Fintl of technology consulting Altran is sure that regular software updates with the increasing digitalization of the car via a so-called cloud is the future in the automotive industry standard. Only once in infotainment systems and not with functions that are directly relevant to safety.
Weighing such systems the driver a false sense of security?
This can be a flat rate not say, since the systems are used graded differently. Tesla has however suggested the choice of the name “autopilot” for the feature a range of functions that the system, it has the manufacturer yes at the activation, can not redeem. Whether customers really visualize this, it may be doubted. Rather, one must accept another parallel to the software industry here. Since hardly anyone reads the terms and conditions, license agreements, etc. – and will still indicate that you have read them and accepted
What is the state of technology for automated or autonomous driving?
the semi-automated driving, as it is currently in the Model S or in vehicles comes as the Mercedes e-class for use, reflects the state of the art. Thus, car manufacturers offer as automatic parking systems, emergency braking or assistants who keep track on the highway or even change. is all systems have in common that they require constant monitoring and if necessary the intervention of the driver.
The German car industry has developed a five-step model for automated driving – from fully driverless car run up to the driverless car that makes any human intervention unnecessary. Currently, the auto industry is on the second stage of development.
Is autonomous driving dangerous
No, on the contrary: The ambitious targets for the reduction of road deaths can probably only be achieved by autonomous driving. Human drivers are much more prone to driving errors, affected by emotions or miscalculations of the traffic situation as a computer. In a nationwide introduction of autonomous, networked driving can be expected in accordance with a drastic reduction of accidents.
Will the Tesla accident affect the further development of robotic car?
There is no harm to the acceptance of autonomous driving, that the accident suggests it was caused by an autonomously running vehicle to consultants Fintl is safe. But the Tesla Model S drives only partially automated, the driver must be alert at all times. Thus, the accident could be due both to human error or to a function of the border Emergency Brake Assist (AEB).
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