Teslas are a hot topic lately for all the wrong reasons. Sales of the electric vehicle brand have dramatically dropped in Australia in light of CEO Elon Musk’s recent actions in the White House. As if that wasn’t bad enough, a glaring Tesla safety concern has been laid bare for all to see on YouTube.
Former NASA engineer Mark Rober, who runs a popular science YouTube channel, recently drove his Tesla Model Y through a fake wall in the name of answering a modern vehicle safety question: how does a solely camera-based safety system compare to one that uses LiDAR technology?
As Rober’s YouTube video shows, the answer isn’t great for Tesla.
It’s a fascinating video that cleverly explains how LiDAR works, all fuelled by Rober’s obsession with Space Mountain at Disneyland. Trust me, he makes the connection between Disneyland and Tesla clear in a way that makes you wonder why the latter relies solely on cameras.
Tesla started doubling down on its camera-based Autopilot system in 2021, removing support for radar and ultrasonic technology across its fleet. Musk previously labelled LiDAR technology a “crutch” for driverless technology.
When working as intended, Autopilot should apply the car’s brakes to avoid hitting obstacles and pedestrians. In the video, the Tesla Model Y failed to detect a child mannequin and a fake wall because its cameras couldn’t see past simulated rain and fog.
By comparison, a car equipped with Luminar LiDAR sensors successfully stopped in every test, leaving the fake child un-flattened. At this stage, the Volvo EX90 and ES90 are the only cars that use this specific brand of technology. Still, it demonstrates the perils of relying solely on cameras.
Despite Musk’s public statements, Tesla appears to have LiDAR ambitions. Last year, the EV maker bought $2 million worth of Luminar LiDAR sensors. It’s perhaps an acknowledgement of the camera-based system’s shortcomings.
No matter your automotive allegiances, Rober’s video presents two major findings. One is to not expect a car’s camera system to save you during inclement weather, while the other is the importance of paying attention while driving.
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