FYI: Elon Musk hints at groundbreaking changes to Tesla’s Yoke operation during Autopilot mode.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is considering a significant shift for the Autopilot system, specifically for vehicles equipped with the distinctive Yoke steering wheel.
Current Autopilot Features
Tesla’s Autopilot comes standard with two key Advanced Driver Assistance features aimed at enhancing driving safety and reducing stress:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: Adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on surrounding traffic conditions.
- Autosteer: Works in tandem with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to keep the vehicle within its lane.
Musk’s Vision for a Stationary Yoke
The idea Musk is toying with involves a stationary Yoke when Autopilot is active. This would mark a departure from the current setup where the Yoke follows the wheel movements. The conversation started after Tesla launched the Autopark feature for the Cybertruck, where Musk responded to a demonstration video by suggesting this transformative change:
"We should change that so the yoke is stationary, as it is not mechanically coupled to the wheels. Same goes for when it is on Autopilot."
Exclusive to Cybertruck?
This potential update appears to be primarily suitable for the Cybertruck, which employs a steer-by-wire system. Unlike traditional mechanical steering, steer-by-wire uses electronic controls to direct vehicle movement, making it feasible for the Yoke to remain stationary.
Community Reactions
The proposition has sparked varied reactions within the Tesla community. Some appreciate the innovation, while others express concerns about the practicality and safety of such a system:
- @WholeMarsBlog: "That would be really cool! But then how does it reset to the correct position if you intervene?"
- @KingINF3RN0: "Honestly? Don’t. If a human intervention is needed, it should be at the current steering position for intuitive driving."
Future of Full Autonomy
Despite Tesla’s eventual goal of achieving a fully autonomous driving experience that obviates the need for human oversight, we are still years away from this becoming a reality. Hence, any changes affecting manual intervention must be carefully evaluated.
Final Thoughts
Although the idea of a stationary Yoke is intriguing, Tesla will need to address these significant concerns before any implementation can be considered prudent.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
By William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
