From Futurism · Victor Tangermann · · 1m
Elon Musk Robotaxi Night Safety
Tesla robotaxis can't see pets at night, Musk admits.
In brief
Tesla robotaxis can't see pets at night, Musk admits. Elon Musk says Tesla robotaxis can't safely operate after dark due to poor night vision, risking pets. Originally reported by Futurism.
Tesla's Self-Driving System
Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims self-driving cars don't need radar or lidar sensors, using only cameras instead.
“fool's errand”
Musk's Night Safety Claim
Musk says Tesla robotaxis can't see pets at night, risking collisions with grey kittens on dark tarmac.
“literally trying to avoid grey kittens on grey tarmac in the dark”
Lidar's Night Advantage
Lidar and radar sensors help vehicles see in the dark, which Musk's robotaxis lack.
“kittens of any shade could certainly be picked up by them”
Musk's Time Adjustment
Tesla moved robotaxis' operating hours from 10 pm to 11 pm in Austin, but sunset is at 7 pm.
“sunset in Austin is just after 7 pm local time”
Waymo's Fleet Size
Waymo, using lidar and radar, has a much larger fleet than Tesla's robotaxis in Austin.
Cat Fatality Incident
A tabby cat named KitKat died after being hit by a Waymo vehicle last year.
“tabby cat named KitKat met its demise”
The headline
Elon Musk says Tesla robotaxis can't safely operate after dark due to poor night vision, risking pets.
