Tesla adds new front bumper camera to support self-driving features

Tesla has confirmed a hardware update to help its driver-assist and future autonomy systems. A new camera is now installed in the front bumper of some of its vehicles. This camera gives a wider field of view, helping the car better see what’s directly ahead.

This camera first appeared on the Cybertruck. Now it’s part of the updated Model Y, internally called “Juniper.” Tesla has also added it to new Model S and Model X vehicles. Owners of these cars will see this listed in their car’s camera system details.

What the camera helps with

The camera improves how the car parks and moves at low speeds. It supports Tesla’s “Smart Summon” feature, where the car can drive itself toward the owner. Tesla says the camera gives more visibility up front, which helps the vehicle make better choices during these tasks.

Tesla’s updated wording now points more clearly to how the camera helps Autopilot. On earlier models, the feature was only described as “a wider field of view for automatic assisted driving and advanced Smart Summon.” That’s changed. The company now says it helps “Autopilot and Autopark” in the latest software notes.

This is one of the biggest hardware changes Tesla has made recently. It’s part of the company’s move to rely fully on cameras. Tesla has already removed radar and ultrasonic sensors from its newer vehicles. It now uses a system it calls “Tesla Vision,” which depends only on cameras.

Elon Musk has said for years that cameras alone are enough to make cars drive themselves. Tesla believes that more visual data from different angles can improve how well the car handles real-world situations.

Where it goes next

This added hardware lays more groundwork for Tesla’s future Full Self-Driving features. It’s still in development, but the company keeps pushing updates through software. The new bumper camera helps give the car a clearer view of things close to the front of the vehicle. That could make a difference in tight spots or crowded areas.

Tesla hasn’t said if the camera will be added to older vehicles. Right now, it only shows up on new builds. Some owners might be hoping for a retrofit, but there’s no official word.

Tesla is changing the hardware in its vehicles again. A new front bumper camera now helps the car see more of what’s around it. The company says it supports parking, Autopilot, and Smart Summon. It’s a small change on the outside, but it could help Tesla take the next step in self-driving tech.