In a concerning incident, a Tesla equipped with 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) software collided with a deer without showing any signs of slowing down or stopping. The event occurred when the vehicle failed to detect the deer on the road, resulting in the car's front end sustaining damage. Video evidence shared on Twitter by user @TheSeekerOf42 illustrates the car approaching the deer without decelerating, subsequently leading to a cracked bumper and a hood that shifted nearly an inch toward the windshield.

Background

Tesla's approach to self-driving technology distinguishes itself by employing a camera-based system, eschewing additional sensors such as LiDAR, which are commonly used by other companies to enhance object detection through 3D mapping. Tesla's use of camera-based systems aims to reduce costs but may have limitations in detecting certain obstacles, as demonstrated by this incident.

The Incident

The Tesla user described the occurrence as an edge case scenario, maintaining that the FSD software still worked 'awesome.' Notably, the car's technology seemed to overlook the deer, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the vehicle's object detection capabilities in real-world environments where visibility conditions may vary. Despite this, the user continued to express overall satisfaction with Tesla’s technology.

Safety and Technology Concerns

The lack of response from the vehicle following the collision raises significant safety questions. Typically, impact sensors within a vehicle would prompt it to slow down or stop autonomously, yet in this instance, the Tesla did neither. This absence of reaction suggests a potential gap in the system's safety protocols, which could be mitigated with additional detection technologies, such as LiDAR.

Tesla’s decision to exclude certain technologies in its pursuit of autonomous driving remains controversial. While the company focuses on achieving full autonomy largely through camera inputs and artificial intelligence, critics argue that incorporating a broader array of sensors could enhance the reliability and safety of the vehicles in diverse driving conditions.

Overall, this incident highlights the complexities and challenges facing fully autonomous vehicle technologies, particularly in their ability to safely interact with unpredictable environments.

Original Source from Jalopnik.