Tesla's FSD Feature Acts as Guardian Angel in Near-Miss Incident [Video]

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla's FSD and AEB systems prevent a possibly deadly accident
Tesla's FSD and AEB prevent a possibly deadly accident
Guri C

In a harrowing incident posted on X.com, Tesla owner Guri C publicly thanked Elon Musk and Tesla's Full Self-Driving system and the Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) feature for averting what could have been a tragic accident.

According to Guri C, FSD was engaged, but the Model Y would not move forward when the light turned green. Despiting pushing the accelerator to take control, the Model Y refused to move forward, suddenly hitting the brakes instead. Seven seconds after the light turned green, a vehicle ran the red at a high rate of speed, and it would've been a terrible and possibly deadly collision if the Tesla had not intervened.

FSD Paid for Itself

Guri C's firsthand testimony of the incident on X.com initiated a lot of reactions, emphasizing the safety net that autonomous technology provided in unforeseen circumstances. Several individuals applauded the advanced technology in Tesla vehicles, pointing out that the reluctance of the FSD system to accelerate even under human command possibly saved lives in this instance.

Some highlighted the remarkable integration of the continuously evolving neural network powered by multiple cameras and AI chips, which works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring the vehicle's autonomous responses are always a step ahead in recognizing potential dangers on the road.

Recent Tesla Enhancements

In a deep dive into Tesla's safety features prompted by the incident, the term "AI Guardian Angel" emerged, symbolizing the protective instinct of the vehicle empowered by artificial intelligence. Discussions spotlighted Obstacle-Aware Acceleration, another safety feature that corroborates with the FSD to take necessary actions when confronting unforeseen hazards, indicating the multilayered safety net that Tesla has woven into its autonomous driving features.

The narrative portrayed by Guri C stirred debates distinguishing between FSD and AEB, with the latter being the system that eventually halted the car, clearly demonstrating the life-saving feature engineered into Tesla vehicles. The AEB feature got a significant upgrade in April, which may have been the difference between life and death in this situation.

This life-saving event showcases the advancement in autonomous technology, illustrating a near future where AI operates with heightened awareness, actively preventing accidents and ensuring road safety. This incident, echoing Tesla's data affirming the safety of autonomous vehicles, builds confidence in the shift towards autonomous driving.

Tesla's commitment to safety and innovation shines in this instance, reinforcing belief in a future where roads are safer with autonomous technology, a vision spearheaded by Elon Musk, making a safer autonomous future not just a possibility but an impending reality.

Video of Incident

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

By Karan Singh
@brandonhd

Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.

Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.

It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.

Advisor-led Demo

This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.

  • Manhasset, New York

  • West Covina, California

  • Los Angeles, California

  • Houston, Texas

  • Orlando, Florida

  • Westmont, Illinois

  • Tucson, Arizona

  • Phoenix, Arizona

  • Delaware

Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.

Vision-based Improvements

ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.

I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.

Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.

Actually Smart Summon

ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.

We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.

Park Seek and Banish Autopark

When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.

A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.

While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.

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