Tesla is starting to use its cabin cameras to make sure that drivers are paying attention when the Autopilot and the Full Self-Driving features are engaged.
This information comes from Kevin Smith who tweetted the respective software update of his Tesla Model Y.
Delivery was super smooth. Summon and lane departure avoidance disabled for now, increased follow distance, hard cap at 75, requires auto brights or kicks out of AP, cabin camera for driver monitoring.. nothing unexpected yet. pic.twitter.com/gKIkHSGNI7
— Kevin Smith (@spleck) May 27, 2021
Here’s the automaker’s statement, as can be seen from the photos of the tweet.
The cabin camera above your rearview mirror can now detect and alert driver inattentiveness while Autopilot is engaged. Camera data does not leave the car itself, which means the system cannot save or transmit information unless data sharing is enabled. To change your data settings, tap Controls > Safety & Security > Data Sharing on your car’s touchscreen.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
In the past, Elon Musk had rejected the idea of cabin cameras used for driver monitoring system, and up until now the Tesla cars were relying on steering wheel sensors to determine the presence of a driver behind the wheel.
According to his statement back in 2019, the in-car cameras’ aim would be to prevent people from vandalizing cars, when they become a fully autonomous robotaxi fleet.
It’s there for when we start competing with Uber/Lyft & people allow their car to earn money for them as part of the Tesla shared autonomy fleet. In case someone messes up your car, you can check the video.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2019
What’s interesting is that he had also hinted at their potential use to supplement the vehicles’ outside cameras.
Also, it can be used to supplement cameras on outside of vehicle, as it can see through 2nd side windows & rear window.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2019
Just three days ago, the automaker announced its transition to the Tesla Vision, its camera-based autonomous driving system that replaced radar. So are we to assume to that this was Musk’s plan all along?
Now, it’s important to notice that the company is emphasizing the fact that the cabin cameras don’t share data, unless this feature is enabled (as you can see on the first tweet above). This comes as no surprise, given that Tesla’s in-car monitoring system has evoked serious concerns regarding privacy risks.
That’s because, unlike other automakers, Tesla is using conventional cameras with video recording, rather than infrared alternatives that work in real-time and don’t store data. It seems unlikely that this has been changed now that the cameras have been turned into a safety feature.
Doubts aside, it’s fair to say that this camera update is mostly a good thing. Autopilot misuse has caused too many accidents to be ignored, and if the cabin cameras can actually stop “back seat drivers,” then I can back it up.
Do EVs excite your electrons? Do ebikes get your wheels spinning? Do self-driving cars get you all charged up?
Then you need the weekly SHIFT newsletter in your life. Click here to sign up.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.