Tesla to Boost Radar Sensing for its Autopilot Feature

Tesla Motors Inc. says it will revise the way its Autopilot self-driving feature detects objects, adjusting it to analyze input from both radar and cameras rather than relying almost entirely on cameras alone, says CEO Elon Musk.

The move follows a fatal crash in May, when a Tesla Model S under Autopilot control failed to recognize a truck crossing its path and didn’t apply the brakes at it should have done. Autopilot is capable of steering, accelerating and braking the car automatically under certain conditions, but Tesla advises customers to remain alert and ready to take control at any moment.

The modification will apply to all cars made from October 2014, when Tesla began adding radar to its vehicles. The company will upgrade cars within the next two weeks via a wireless software modification.

Musk says the updated system will be able to create a 3D picture of its surroundings, recognize objects more clearly and be capable of learning not to suddenly brake for minor objects such as a soda can.

The upgrade is part of a broader package of improvements that includes automatic emergency braking regardless of whether Autopilot is switched on.