Latest news with #EdNiedermeyer
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Elon Musk's Tesla Robotaxis in trouble after debut in Austin: Here's why
Tesla, owned by Elon Musk , has launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. But soon after the launch, federal safety officials contacted the company following videos that appeared to show the self-driving cars breaking traffic rules. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told TechCrunch that it is looking into the incidents. The agency said it has reached out to Tesla to collect more details. As mentioned above, this comes just one day after Tesla launched its limited robotaxi service in South Austin. The company is offering rides to invited users in vehicles powered by its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, which is designed to operate without direct driver control. What NHTSA said about Tesla Robotaxis violating traffic rules 'NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,' the company said in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'NHTSA will continue to enforce the law on all manufacturers of motor vehicles and equipment, in accordance with the Vehicle Safety Act and our data-driven, risk-based investigative process. Under U.S. law, NHTSA does not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems — rather, manufacturers certify that each vehicle meets NHTSA's rigorous safety standards, and the agency investigates incidents involving potential safety defects. Following an assessment of those reports and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety.' Tesla robotaxi vehicles currently operate with a human 'safety monitor' in the front passenger seat but are intended to drive without input. Tesla has not disclosed technical details of the unsupervised FSD software used in the robotaxis. Several videos posted online show troubling behavior. In one clip, a Tesla robotaxi swerves into the wrong lane. In another, it appears to drive over the speed limit. Author and Tesla critic Ed Niedermeyer captured footage of two Tesla robotaxis unexpectedly braking while driving past parked police vehicles. The video has since been posted on YouTube. NHTSA noted that under U.S. law, it does not pre-approve new vehicle technologies. Instead, manufacturers must certify their systems meet safety standards. The agency investigates potential defects and can take enforcement action if needed. Colourful Beats Cables! Find perfect match for your iPhone
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's robotaxis have already caught the attention of federal safety regulators
Federal safety regulators have reached out to Tesla a day after the automaker began providing rides in its branded robotaxis in Austin. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contacted Tesla after numerous videos posted online appear to show Tesla robotaxis violating traffic laws in South Austin, where the company is providing rides to invited customers. Bloomberg was the first to report that NHTSA reached out to Tesla. NHTSA confirmed to TechCrunch that is has contacted the automaker. 'NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information,' the company said in an emailed statement. 'NHTSA will continue to enforce the law on all manufacturers of motor vehicles and equipment, in accordance with the Vehicle Safety Act and our data-driven, risk-based investigative process. Under U.S. law, NHTSA does not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems – rather, manufacturers certify that each vehicle meets NHTSA's rigorous safety standards, and the agency investigates incidents involving potential safety defects. Following an assessment of those reports and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety.' On Sunday, Tesla began giving paid rides to invited customers in South Austin. The launch, while limited in size and scope, is the first real test of the automaker's autonomous vehicle technology. Tesla does sell its branded Full Self-Driving Supervised software to owners of its vehicles. FSD handles steering and braking when engaged. However, it is considered an advanced driver assistance system that requires the driver to have their hands on the wheel. Tesla robotaxis are equipped with an unsupervised version of FSD, although the company has not provided specific details about this software. The robotaxis, which customers can hail via an app, are meant to drive on their own. Notably, Tesla robotaxis have a human 'safety monitor' sitting in the front passenger seat during these rides. Videos posted online show the Tesla robotaxis driving over the speed limit and in one case, swerving into the wrong lane. TechCrunch reported Sunday that Ed Niedermeyer, author of 'Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors,' who is in Austin to monitor the robotaxi rollout, took video showing a Tesla branded robotaxi suddenly hitting its brakes on two occasions without reason. A video, which TechCrunch has viewed and has since been posted on YouTube, shows that in both instances the Tesla hit the brakes as it approached police vehicles that were located in parking lots adjacent to the roadway. Sign in to access your portfolio
