Tesla built a new lobby for its Giga Berlin factory
@sina39184138 / @justpaulinelol
Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin adds a new dimension to its innovative landscape with the debut of its strikingly modern lobby. As visitors enter, they are immediately transported into what appears to be the future of corporate interiors. The recently opened space is a testament to the company's commitment to blending design with functionality, featuring the Tesla Model Y charging amidst a visually engaging environment illuminated by undulating neon lights and adorned with chic metallic touches.
A New Public Space with Robotic Charm
This lobby isn't merely a space to cross; it's an experience. Public access began last Sunday, and it already boasts an array of engaging features, such as a merchandise vending machine that offers Tesla-branded items at the touch of a button. Visitors watch as the lobby's robot, capable of pouring beer and preparing coffee, adds a playful yet sophisticated element to the visitor experience.
The lobby is thoughtfully laid over two floors, providing comfortable seating for guests on both levels. The design centerpiece is the reception area, which features a large, geometric desk operated by welcoming Tesla staff. The early visuals shared by the company showcase these elements, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that has gone into creating this space.
"Hey ? I want a ☕️ please"
Giga Berlin ????
Tell me another place where you can get a coffee served by a robot while you wait to buy a car or explore the factory. I’ll wait ☝?
Nestled in Grünheide, just outside the urban buzz of Berlin, the Gigafactory stands as a beacon of Tesla's manufacturing might. The factory's focus on the Model Y SUV has led to a remarkable production cadence of 5,000 weekly vehicles. In a recent visit, Musk hinted at an exciting future for the factory, with plans to produce an affordable $25,000 Tesla, making sustainable transportation options more available to the masses.
Adding Giga Berlin as a manufacturing site for Tesla's ambitious Model 2 represents a pragmatic pivot in the company's global strategy. With its roots stretching from the initial plans in Mexico to the assembly lines in Texas and now extending to Germany, Tesla's path reflects a responsive and adaptive approach to the ever-changing landscape of global manufacturing.
By situating production within the European market, Tesla appears to align its operational logistics with regional market dynamics, potentially streamlining the delivery process and enhancing its competitive edge in a critical EV market.
Tesla's vision for its Berlin Gigafactory doesn't stop at vehicle production. The company is looking to broaden its horizons with a significant expansion set to commence in early 2024. These plans include constructing a water recycling system and adding a second production facility to its existing infrastructure. Moreover, a future-focused battery recycling plant is also on the cards, underscoring Tesla's dedication to sustainability and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
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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Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
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