In the move towards autonomous driving, Tesla has stood out as a pioneer, challenging conventions and taking the technology to new horizons. Although, he has also been involved in controversies, accidents and even large-scale removals from the streets.
However, according to the statements of Arturo de la Escalera, head of the Intelligent Systems Laboratory of the Carlos III University of Madridin an interview with the media The Independentthe current implementation of Level 2 autonomous driving presents significant challenges.
He autonomous driving level 2which Tesla has implemented in its vehicles, frees the driver from direct responsibility for driving, allowing him to delegate some tasks to the automated system.
Although, according to De la Escalera, this level has a limitation: although the vehicle can be driven autonomously, the driver must remain alert and ready to intervene at any time. This means that the driver cannot perform other activities, such as reading or sleeping, during the automated journey.
The theory
The theory behind level 2 is clear, but reality is showing that many drivers are not using the system as they should. This lack of adherence to Tesla’s recommendations is leading to a worrying increase in accidents related to autonomous driving. According to De la Escalera’s words, it reflects a discrepancy between theory and practice in the implementation of level 2.
“What is not happening right now is that level 2 falls short, but the jump to level 3, where the driver no longer needs to pay attention to the road, is too big,” warns De la Escalera. Level 3 represents a further step in the development of autonomous driving, as it would allow drivers to completely detach their attention from the road during certain periods. However, this leap involves significant technical and security challenges.
Surprisingly, De la Escalera points out that some actors in the autonomous driving sector, especially those involved in the development of robotaxis, have chosen to skip level 3 and advance directly to level 4. This last level implies complete autonomy under specific conditions, such as in predefined urban environments. However, as has been evidenced, level 4 systems are still They are far from infallible.with incidents reported in various parts of the world.
The question that De la Escalera raises is for the future of autonomous driving: How should the industry approach the transition between levels? Is it wise to skip levels in the pursuit of full autonomy, or is it more sensible to follow a stepwise progression, ensuring that each level is implemented safely and effectively?
Ultimately, autonomous driving at Tesla and the industry at large faces the problem of balancing innovation with safety and public acceptance, and these challenges need to be thoughtfully addressed to ensure a future where autonomous vehicles are a safe and secure reality. reliable, although to conclude, De la Escalera was direct in relation to total autonomy:
“I think we will never reach autonomy level 5. But I also think that an autonomous car for each person would not be useful. On the one hand because of the price, and on the other because the future of mobility is for it to be shared. And having a supercar that is always stopped may make sense for the super-rich, but not for the rest,” ended.
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