Tesla Driver Monitoring: In-Car Camera Now Active for Autopilot

Tesla Enhances Driver Monitoring with In-Car Camera

Tesla has activated the in-car camera within its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to oversee driver attentiveness during the utilization of its Autopilot advanced driver assistance system.

New System Details

A recent software update from Tesla reveals that the cabin camera, positioned above the rearview mirror, is now capable of identifying and alerting drivers exhibiting inattentiveness while Autopilot is engaged.

Importantly, Tesla employs a closed-loop data system. This means that images captured by the camera remain within the vehicle and are not externally transmitted. Data sharing must be explicitly enabled by the user for any information to be sent from the car, as stated by Tesla.

The implementation of this update was widely reported by Tesla owners, industry analysts, and bloggers on the Twitter platform.

Addressing Past Concerns

Tesla has encountered scrutiny for delaying the activation of a driver monitoring system, particularly as evidence surfaced indicating misuse of the Autopilot system by vehicle owners. Numerous videos have been shared on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, showcasing drivers engaging in unsafe behaviors, including occupying the backseat while the vehicle operates on highways.

Several serious accidents involving Teslas with engaged Autopilot have further intensified pressure on the company to implement robust driver monitoring solutions.

Evolution of Driver Monitoring

Previously, Tesla relied on steering wheel torque sensors to ensure driver engagement. These sensors were intended to verify that drivers maintained their hands on the wheel. However, drivers have demonstrated methods to circumvent these sensors, creating the illusion of human control.

Industry Response

“Consumer Reports has advocated for camera-based driver monitoring systems for automated systems like Tesla’s Autopilot for several years,” stated Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at CR, in an interview with TechCrunch. “Tesla’s prior system, based on steering wheel torque, couldn’t confirm if the driver was focused on the road.

Should this new system prove effective, it could significantly enhance safety and potentially save lives. We anticipate similar updates in other vehicles and look forward to evaluating their performance.”

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Tesla has not disclosed specific details regarding the driver monitoring system, such as whether it tracks eye gaze or head position. It is also unclear if the system will facilitate hands-free driving capabilities.

Systems like GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s Blue Cruise already offer hands-free driving on designated divided highways. These systems integrate map data, precise GPS, cameras, radar sensors, and a driver attention system to ensure driver focus.

Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability

Tesla vehicles are equipped with a standard driver assistance system known as Autopilot. Owners can purchase “full self-driving,” or FSD, for an additional $10,000. CEO Elon Musk envisions FSD eventually achieving full autonomous driving.

FSD, which has seen incremental price increases and capability enhancements, has been available as an option for several years.

Current Limitations

It’s crucial to note that Tesla vehicles are not currently capable of full self-driving. FSD includes features like Summon and Navigate on Autopilot, an active guidance system that manages highway navigation, including lane changes and interchanges.

Drivers can activate “Navigate on Autopilot” after entering a destination into the navigation system.

Recent Changes to Sensing Technology

This development follows Tesla’s recent announcement that Model Y and Model 3 vehicles destined for North American customers will be manufactured without radar. This decision aligns with Musk’s preference for relying solely on cameras and machine learning to support Autopilot and active safety features.

Traditional vs. Tesla’s Approach

Typically, automakers utilize a combination of radar, cameras, and even lidar to provide the necessary sensing for advanced driver assistance system features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic lane changes.

Musk champions the potential of “Tesla Vision,” which employs only cameras and neural network processing to perceive and respond to the vehicle’s surroundings.

Controversies and Safety Ratings

The removal of radar has drawn criticism. Consumer Reports has removed the Model 3 from its Top Pick list, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety intends to revoke the Model 3’s Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built after April 27, 2021, will no longer receive the agency’s check mark for automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and dynamic brake support.