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Through Tesla (TSLA) In a first-quarter earnings call on April 23, CEO Elon Musk declared that the electric car maker he runs should not be viewed as “just a car company,” adding that it “should be viewed as an artificial intelligence and robotics company.” He called on investors to abandon their holdings if they believe otherwise.
Although the electric car giant feels its new systems will spark a revolutionary technological renaissance in mobility, one of Detroit’s Big Three automakers is a step ahead in the kind of technology that has auto executives like Musk excited and federal investigators concerned. .
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In Stellantis (STLA) At its recent investor day, the multinational automotive group presented some of the new AI-powered technologies that it is set to roll out across its portfolio of brands.
The highlight is what the automaker calls “STLA AutoDrive,” a hands-free, semi-autonomous driving assistant designed to compete with the likes of GM’s Super Cruise, Ford’s Blue Cruze, and Tesla’s Autopilot systems.
AutoDrive is part of a technology stack powered by STLA Brain, a central, cloud-connected computing platform that provides access to all of the vehicle’s sensors and actuators. Powered by Qualcomm chips, STLA Brain allows the automaker to reduce the amount of computer chips required in its new vehicles, allows its cars to support over-the-air updates and dramatically reduces new software development time.
STLA AutoDrive is designed to replace Stellantis’ Active Hands-Free Driving Assist, the Level 2 hands-free driving assistant already available in Stellantis vehicles.
Compared to previous technology, AutoDrive is described as providing improved semi-autonomous driving capabilities. While a Level 2 hands-free active driving assistance system requires drivers to remain fully alert and ready to take control of the car, Stellantis says AutoDrive will be able to support Level 3 self-driving capabilities, which could allow drivers to take their eyes off The Car. road in certain circumstances.
Stellantis says the AutoDrive system will be steadily updated to increase the average time period between driver takeover requests. Initial launches will allow for 10 minutes of “off-road driving,” which will soon increase to 20, 30 and eventually a full 40 minutes of such driving. Additionally, the automaker notes that jobs will initially be limited to highway use.
It is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce the Level 3 autonomous driving system with it Test drive system, which is approved for use in a very limited portion of the United States. Additionally, GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s hands-free technology are only compatible for use on “compatible” highways that the respective automakers deem safe for use on.
More cars:
- Maserati exec defends use of car feature that drivers hate
- The feds are questioning the safety of popular driver-assistance technology
- The study indicates that young people who like loud cars are more likely to be mentally ill
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The feds say this type of technology is dangerous
stronghold
RELATED: Feds question safety of popular driver-assistance technology
Whether or not it’s powered by artificial intelligence, Stellantis’ new technology delves into territory that is currently under the microscope of federal officials due to legitimate safety concerns.
In April 2024, NHTSA published the results of a three-year investigation looking into the matter The safety of Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technologiesI found that the program did a poor job of keeping drivers engaged and looking directly at the road ahead.
The investigation looked into 956 Tesla collisions, in which 29 people died. Fourteen of these deaths involved direct collisions with other vehicles or obstacles that collided with the front of the Tesla.
Additionally, Ford is the subject of a preliminary federal investigation, as its BlueCruise technology has been determined to be a factor in fatal crashes in Saint Anthony And in PhiladelphiaMustang Mach-E crossovers driving at night on major highways collided with parked cars in their path.
On May 8, U.S. Prosecutors I launched an investigation To determine whether Tesla committed securities or wire fraud by misleading its customers and investors about the actual capabilities of its Autopilot feature.
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