It seems like Tesla has upped its autopilot game with its latest software update. The software version 9.0, which is currently in a phased rollout, now allows the Tesla owners to initiate lane changes in the car¡¯s autonomous mode. What¡¯s more, the cars support the self-deciphered lane changes on each of their driving styles, from the slow 'Mild' mode to the full-throttled 'Mad Max' mode.
In a series of recent videos posted online, a Tesla can be seen switching lanes even at a prominent speed of 130 km/hr, without the driver¡¯s inputs. This comes as a major update to the existing autopilot feature wherein a lane switch had to be initiated by the driver of the car by activating a turn signal.?
The update is an important move towards raising the autonomous capabilities of Tesla vehicles to level 3. However, it still needs human input because the car tends to switch to non-existing or closed lanes in order to overtake obstructions in its path, as mentioned by Jasper Nuyens in the above video.?
The feature does not just help at the time of overtaking. The autonomous lane changes also act as per the navigation, helping change lanes at the time of a highway intersection. The feature also aims to maintain the set cruise speed at all times, though it does brake on its own as and when required.?
The demonstration videos of the updated Tesla Autopilot show a cruising speed ranging from 100 km/hr to 130 km/hr. This clears that the autopilot works well even in the 'Mad Max' mode, though not much of its action can be seen in the video due to scarce traffic on the road.?