Tesla only uses cameras for its self-driving systems. Elon Musk says radar and LiDAR are not needed. He worries that mixing sensors causes “sensor ambiguity.” Musk thinks choosing between cameras and radar can make driving less safe. So, Tesla turned off radar for new vehicles and now only trusts vision from cameras.
Tesla argues that LiDAR and radar struggle during rain, snow, and dusty weather. LiDAR signals scatter in wet conditions, making it hard to find obstacles. Musk notes robotaxis from other companies sometimes stop in heavy rain because LiDAR gets mixed up. Radar suffers the same way when signal scatter happens.
Driving in the dark is tough for sensors. Musk says LiDAR has trouble spotting black tires at night because not enough light gets reflected. He claims Tesla’s cameras, which have high dynamic range, catch these hard-to-see objects better and sometimes perform better than human drivers. Some real-world tests in China show camera-only Teslas spot road debris that other sensor-fusion robotaxis miss.
Musk connects the debate over sensors to advances in military technology. He shares that new military tools use passive optical sensors and AI chips to find targets, leaving radar stealth much less useful unless there’s thick cloud cover. Aircraft emit heat, making them stand out to cameras and AI even at night. Musk believes radar stealth can’t fool these modern systems.
Tesla drops high-resolution radar
Tesla developed high-resolution radar for some Model S and X cars. Musk says, “it just can’t compare to passive optical (cameras), so we turned it off.” LiDAR is still used for tasks needing pinpoint precision, like docking spacecraft at SpaceX, but Musk says it’s not needed for cars.
Most carmakers and experts think mixing cameras with radar and LiDAR offers better backup and safer driving. Tesla stands alone by sticking with only cameras. Critics feel this strategy leaves Teslas weaker in poor weather and tough night conditions. Some companies say extra sensors are needed for true safety and reliability.
Tesla continues with the camera-only system. Musk stands by AI and cameras, challenging rivals who believe more sensors are needed to make self-driving vehicles safe for the road.
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