Tesla vehicles will now be able to recognize speed limit signs while simultaneously displaying them on the driver’s visualization. In addition, the latest software update introduces traffic light tracking. At the moment when the traffic light switches to green for a car, a sound signal is emitted, informing the driver that it is possible to start driving.
One of the advantages of electric vehicles is the ability to quickly receive software updates live. New features, added to the Autopilot system in the latest update and numbered 2020.36, are designed to further improve safety and assist the driver.
Speed limit signs are recognized using external Tesla cameras. Previously, it was believed that Autopilot tracked road signs using GPS data. The company says that detection of speed limit signs using onboard cameras will significantly improve the accuracy of the data required for Tesla’s speed limit. The received data will be displayed in real time in the “motion visualization”.
The 2020.36 update also introduces the Green Traffic Light Chime feature, which provides the driver with an additional warning system when the traffic light switches to green. At the same time, Tesla developers note that the sound signal accompanying the green traffic light is intended only for notification, and the final decision on starting the movement remains with the driver.
The function of recognizing road signs and traffic lights has been in beta testing since April this year and is one of the components of the program to create a fully self-driving car. One of the Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control features is already available for electric vehicles with the Full Self-Drive package, which starts at $7,000. If a STOP sign or a red traffic light is detected on the road, the electric car stops smoothly and can then start moving only after the driver’s intervention.
