Tesla Unveils New Software To Detect Speed Limit Signs

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Tesla is working on a software update that will allow Autopilot Systems in their vehicles to detect speed limit signs using cameras. The cameras will detect a speed limit sign and display it on the driver visualization according to the software release notes. A warning will then be sent out.

The new update adds to another traffic light update, which allows Tesla vehicles to detect traffic lights. In addition, the stop sign control allows the vehicle to stop whenever it meets the red lights. The new system is only intended for notification, and the final decision lies with the driver.

The Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control feature

In April this year, Tesla launched software to allow its vehicles respond to traffic light and stops signs. The new system is available on the latest vehicles that come with “Hardware 3″, the third version of the onboard computer that powers Autopilot. The company started installing this new version of its new vehicles in 2019. However, to use the new “Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control” feature, owners still have to pay for the “full self-driving” version of Autopilot.

The feature slows the vehicle down at traffic lights and stops signs. To proceed, the driver needs to pull down once on the Autopilot stalk or tap the accelerator pedal. According to Tesla, the system does not perform turns and does not also control all intersections.

Tesla also says the new Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control feature is only available in beta mode. According to the company, the new system may slow down at first.

“Over time, as we learn from the fleet, the feature will control more naturally. Performance may be degraded in difficult environments with pedestrians, rain, direct sunlight or when approaching traffic controls that are obstructed,” Tesla said in a release note.

Working towards full autonomy

Musk has long promised that its main vision is to have cars that can drive themselves in all situations. Although Tesla sells a full self-driving version of Autopilot, none of its vehicles can fully drive itself in all situations. Instead, in the place of full self-driving, the company has been offering features like automatic lane changes and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. The company has been promising users that the sum of these features will lead to full autonomy.

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Neha Gupta
Neha Gupta
Neha Gupta has cleared CFA Level 2 from CFA Institute (USA). She has worked in diverse capacities from financial research to currency trading in a span of 10 years. Neha also covers technology, finance, retail, automotive, energy and other sectors news.