Autonomous Driving

Fully autonomous vehicles are designed to operate without any human intervention in all driving environments and conditions. These vehicles can handle complex settings, navigate through unpredictable traffic, and adapt to various weather conditions. It does not require a steering wheel, pedals, or any form of manual control from a driver. They are are equipped with an array of sensors, including LiDAR, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, to monitor the surroundings in 360 degrees, enabling the vehicle to perceive and react to real-time changes on the road.

These vehicles rely on high-definition maps combined with GPS and other localization tools to maintain an accurate understanding of their location and path within the environment. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication allows the vehicle to communicate with nearby infrastructure (e.g., traffic lights, road signs) and other vehicles, enhancing safety by coordinating movements and anticipating changes in road conditions.

Fully autonomous vehicles are part of a broader spectrum of automation, which ranges from basic driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping to higher levels of autonomy that require minimal human oversight.

Levels of Automation

Click the cars below to learn about the different levels ⬇

The Tesla Cybercab

The Tesla Cybercab debuted in 2023 as part of Tesla's vision for a future dominated by autonomous ride-sharing vehicles. This concept aims to integrate Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, targeting Level 5 autonomy—vehicles that can operate under any conditions without human intervention.

While Tesla has been a pioneer in pushing the boundaries of self-driving technology, the Cybercab is not the first foray into autonomous vehicles. Companies like Waymo and Zoox have already deployed autonomous taxis in select areas, though these vehicles remain limited to Level 4 functionality, which operates within predefined conditions.

The Cybercab signifies progress toward Level 5 autonomy rather than a definitive breakthrough. Regulatory obstacles, public trust issues, and Tesla's preference for camera-based systems over lidar underscore the challenges that remain in achieving fully autonomous driving at scale.

Click the circles below to learn about the different parts of the Cybercab ⬇

Rear Sensors: Provides a wide-angle view of the area behind the vehicle, helping drivers or the autonomous system detect obstacles during reversing. It also assists with parking by displaying real-time footage on the dashboard, allowing for precise maneuvers in tight spaces.

Front Sensors: Primarily responsible for scanning the road ahead, detecting obstacles, and ensuring safe navigation. They use Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) which emits laser pulses that bounce off objects and return to the sensor. By calculating the time it takes for the light to return, Lidar creates a detailed 3D map of the environment.

Screen: Displays real-time data, such as navigation, vehicle status, and passenger information, providing an interactive interface for both passengers and the autonomous system. It serves as the primary control hub for adjusting settings, monitoring vehicle performance, and accessing entertainment or communication features.

No Petals: No need for traditional brake or gas pedals because the vehicle operates autonomously using electric motors and advanced sensors.

Battery: Powers the vehicle's electric motors, providing the energy needed for propulsion, onboard systems, and sensors. It is rechargeable and designed for long-range operation, often integrated with a fast-charging system.