Autopilot lets Tesla cars change lanes themselves

From today, Tesla will begin rolling out a version 7.0 software update for owners of its Model S electric vehicle, which offers a new set of functions as part of Tesla’s Autopilot system.

The Tesla Model S P85D was introduced a year ago and debuted the brand’s Autopilot feature, a semi-autonomous driving system that utilises cameras, radars and 360-degree ultrasonic sonar sensors to provide driverless features.

The software update will allow Model S cars to change lanes, self-park, monitor traffic and pedestrians without the help of a driver.

Musk estimated that within three years, cars would be able to drive “from your driveway to work without you touching anything”, but regulatory approval could take years. Feedback from the “mutually reinforcing systems” is said to ensure that the system is continuously “learning and improving upon itself”.

According to Musk, the autopilot feature is one of Tesla Motors’ major steps in delivering an autonomous vehicle to consumers.

We may not be living in the future quite yet, but even in its beta state, you have to admit: this auto is a better driver than a few of the humans you know. We’ll likely laugh at why anyone owned a auto and how anyone was allowed to just drive around without a battery of sensors protecting us.

However, Mr Musk said users adopting the software – available in North America from tomorrow – should exercise caution while using it. Even when engaged though the driver must keep their hands on the wheel for it to operate. It works nearly to the point where you can take your hands off, but we won’t say that. Its expertise in software has made it a leader in self-driving features, which more traditional carmakers have been slower to develop. If there is still no response by the driver, the vehicle will come to a stop, Tesla said. “You need to be ready to take the wheel at any time”.

Lastly, the Model S is now capable of parallel parking itself, similar to Ford’s Active Park Assist. Tesla will provide the features through an over-the-air upgrade.

Only owners who paid the $2,500 charge for the full autopilot system would be able to activate all of the autopilot features, but the side-impact warning was a safety feature and would be available to everyone.