Tag: autonomous driving

  • Xiaomi SU7 Crash Kills Three: Timeline, Details, Company Response

    Xiaomi SU7 Crash Kills Three: Timeline, Details, Company Response

    Key Takeaways

    1. The crash of a Xiaomi SU7 Standard electric sedan on March 29 resulted in the deaths of three female university students, marking the first known fatality linked to Xiaomi’s EV.

    2. The vehicle was equipped with a vision-based Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) system, which lacks the advanced LiDAR technology found in higher models, raising safety concerns about autonomous driving technology.

    3. The collision occurred in a construction area with altered traffic lanes and possible debris, suggesting environmental factors may have contributed to the accident.

    4. An investigation revealed that the NOA system failed to recognize smaller barriers, and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system did not engage due to the water barrier being undetected.

    5. Xiaomi has initiated an internal investigation and expressed commitment to transparency while addressing concerns about the reliability of autonomous driving features and the effectiveness of emergency systems.

    On March 29, a tragic incident occurred involving a Xiaomi SU7 Standard electric sedan on the Dezhou-Shangrao Highway (G0321) near Tongling, Anhui Province, China. This crash resulted in the deaths of three female university students and is the first known fatality associated with Xiaomi’s first electric vehicle (EV). The event has raised significant concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technology.

    Details of the Incident and Victims

    The three victims were university students heading to Chizhou for a civil service examination. They were traveling in a Xiaomi SU7 Standard, which is the entry-level model of the SU7 series, acquired in May 2024 and delivered on October 19, 2024. This model, launched on March 28, 2024, operates with a vision-based Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) system but does not feature the LiDAR technology available in the Pro and Max variants.

    Circumstances of the Crash

    The collision took place in the Chiqi area of the highway, where construction work had altered the traffic lanes. This change, coupled with the possibility of debris from the ongoing repairs, may have contributed to the accident.

    Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash

    An investigation by Xiaomi, based on data provided to the authorities, has outlined the timeline of the crash:
    – 10:27:17 PM: NOA was turned on; the car was traveling at 116 km/h (72 mph).
    – 10:44:24 PM: The system identified obstacles, issued alerts, and started to slow down.
    – 10:44:25 PM: The driver regained manual control, turning the steering wheel 22.0625 degrees left and applying brakes at 31%.
    – 10:44:26 PM: The steering moved slightly right by 1.0625 degrees, increasing braking to 38%.
    – 10:44:26–10:44:28 PM: The vehicle collided with a concrete barrier at a speed of 97 km/h (60 mph), leading to a fire.

    Aftermath of the Collision

    Reports on social media, including a post from one victim’s mother, alleged that the doors of the vehicle locked automatically after the crash, trapping the occupants as flames engulfed the car. Xiaomi was unable to confirm the functioning of the doors but mentioned that there is an emergency unlock feature, the efficiency of which remains uncertain. The NOA system’s failure to identify smaller barriers, such as cones, might have played a role in the accident.

    Company Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

    In response, Xiaomi established an investigation team on March 30 and provided data by March 31. CEO Lei Jun expressed sorrow and assured transparency while offering assistance to the families of the victims. The company stated that a special task force was created immediately, and they visited the accident scene on March 30. They also clarified that they haven’t yet accessed the vehicle involved in the crash, countering rumors of it being taken to Beijing. Internal records show that the Xiaomi SU7 was operating in NOA mode at about 116 km/h before it received a warning and slowed to 97 km/h prior to the crash. The cause of the fire after the impact is still under investigation, but Xiaomi suspects it initiated in the cabin rather than in the battery. Additionally, the company reported that the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system did not engage because the water barrier was not recognized by the detection system.

    Continuing Investigation and Safety Questions

    The police investigation is ongoing, focusing on the road conditions, driver behavior, and vehicle systems. This unfortunate event brings to light essential concerns regarding the reliability of autonomous driving features, the effectiveness of emergency systems, and the need for driver education in electric vehicles.

    Xiaomi SU7 Crash Kills Three: Timeline, Details, Company ResponseXiaomi SU7 Crash Kills Three: Timeline, Details, Company ResponseXiaomi SU7 Crash Kills Three: Timeline, Details, Company Response
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  • Mark Rober: Tesla’s Lidar Decision Could Endanger Lives

    Mark Rober: Tesla’s Lidar Decision Could Endanger Lives

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mark Rober’s video demonstrates that the Tesla Vision system can be easily fooled into not detecting obstacles on the road.
    2. The absence of Radar and Lidar in Tesla vehicles raises safety concerns, especially in common weather conditions like fog and rain.
    3. Despite the removal of essential hardware, Tesla’s autopilot system has a lower fatality rate involving pedestrians compared to overall pedestrian deaths on US roads in 2022.
    4. Government hesitations about autonomous driving technology are influenced by concerns raised in videos like Rober’s, questioning the safety and reliability of such systems.
    5. The video prompts discussions about the broader implications of autonomous driving beyond just Tesla, while also showcasing Rober’s innovative projects.

    Famed YouTuber Mark Rober recently uploaded a video showcasing how the Tesla Vision system can be surprisingly easily deceived into not spotting obstacles on the road. While the video does feature some rather unusual road scenarios (such as a massive wall designed to resemble the road ahead), it also implies that the absence of Radar and Lidar could pose risks to human safety in certain situations. These situations include fog and rain, which are both common weather conditions on roads worldwide. However, the probability of encountering such extreme fog and rain as shown in the video and leading to an accident is likely debatable.

    Concerns About Safety

    Nonetheless, the notion that removing essential hardware for cost and weight reasons (rather than prioritizing accident prevention) indicates that the Tesla Vision system might not offer the road safety that pedestrians desire. Tesla’s choice to eliminate Lidar and Radar sensors from its vehicles, with Musk asserting that they were oversized, heavy, and costly, goes back to 2021. Nevertheless, as of now, the fatalities involving autopilot activation where a pedestrian or cyclist lost their life is substantially lower than the 7,552 pedestrians who perished on US roads in 2022 alone. This suggests that even without Lidar and Radar, the system remains statistically quite reliable.

    Government Hesitations on Autonomy

    Despite Rober’s eagerness in shining a light on the problems with Tesla specifically, it is the broader concept of autonomous driving for any vehicle (not only Tesla) that has led some governments to delay the implementation of such technologies. There are also several reports questioning if the car in the video is genuinely operating in full self-driving mode.

    If you can overlook the fact that it’s improbable to ever confront a wall that looks just like the road in front of you, there are some real questions raised here. Regardless, watching Rober secretly map the interior of Disney’s ‘Space Mountain’ and create a 3D-printed model is definitely worth your time.

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  • Tesla Robotaxi Can Be Controlled Manually with Gamepad Like PlayStation

    Tesla Robotaxi Can Be Controlled Manually with Gamepad Like PlayStation

    Dubbed the PlayStation car, the Afeela EV from the partnership between Sony and Honda isn’t the only vehicle that can be driven using something similar to a DualSense or Xbox controller, as seen with the “driverless” Tesla Cybercab.

    Afeela’s Debut at CES

    Earlier this year at the CES expo, the CEO of the Afeela project, which merges Honda’s automotive skills with Sony’s entertainment and software expertise, showcased their first electric vehicle using a PlayStation 5 controller on stage. It was a striking moment that highlighted the innovative blend of gaming and driving.

    Tesla’s Robotaxi Features

    Meanwhile, while presenting the Cybercab at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Tesla team also employed a controller to navigate the Robotaxi, which Tesla promotes as the future of driverless transport. The Cybercab, designed for two passengers, is unique as it lacks both a steering wheel and pedals. However, its FSD 13 autonomous driving software struggles with small maneuvers, such as driving up a ramp or weaving around Christmas trees in the museum’s Vault exhibit to reach its intended location.

    The Manual Driving Capability

    This is why the individual operating the Robotaxi during its transport, maneuvering it off its trailer, up the ramp, and around the venue, seemed to be using what onlookers described as an Xbox controller linked to the vehicle’s computer. Although the connection was wired, sources indicated that the Cybercab’s controller can also connect wirelessly, allowing someone to operate it from a distance.

    This opens up a variety of options, especially for the Cybercab’s ride-share service and support teams, or for first responders Tesla is currently training to handle scenarios involving the Robotaxi on public streets. Overall, the idea that the first Tesla vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals is fully autonomous might be a bit of an overstatement, as there is a means to manually drive it in case it gets stuck for any reason.

    Source: Link

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  • Judge Rejects Tesla’s Bid to Dismiss ‘Phantom Braking’ Lawsuit

    Judge Rejects Tesla’s Bid to Dismiss ‘Phantom Braking’ Lawsuit

    Tesla, a leading name in self-driving technology, is facing its share of unhappy customers. In 2023, the well-known car maker was named in a class-action lawsuit in a Chicago district court. Judge Georgia Alexakis, overseeing the case, has decided that it will proceed despite Tesla’s efforts to dismiss it.

    Lawsuit Details

    The case, titled Joshua Santiago et al. v. Tesla, claims that the company did not inform potential buyers about a “phantom braking” problem, which they have known about since 2015. The two individuals who filed the lawsuit argue that Tesla’s forward collision detection system gives false alerts when there is no actual danger, which can lead to the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down or stopping altogether.

    Court Rulings

    While Tesla was unable to get the entire lawsuit dismissed, Judge Alexakis did agree to remove some parts of it. She threw out claims that Tesla’s insurance division charged drivers too much for premiums based on the supposed braking issue. The argument that the false collision alerts resulted in higher insurance costs for drivers did not persuade the judge.

    Tesla claims they were unaware of the alleged problem until one of the plaintiffs purchased their Model 3 in 2021.

    Future of Tesla’s Technology

    However, Judge Alexakis recognized that the lawsuit has shown that potential buyers ought to be able to rely on the information presented on Tesla’s website, supporting claims of Tesla’s failure to disclose safety-related information.

    Tesla has ambitious goals for its self-driving capabilities. The company recently introduced the Cybercab and Robovan, which received a lot of attention. The Cybercab is a future taxi designed for two passengers without a steering wheel or pedals. The Robovan is a larger automated vehicle meant for public transport.

    Tesla currently provides Autopilot with every new model, featuring basic options like Cruise Control and Autosteer. The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) option includes more advanced functions such as Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Smart Summon, available through either a subscription or a one-time payment.

    Source: Link

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  • Former Apple executive Steve Kenner joins GM Cruise to enhance autonomous driving safety

    Former Apple executive Steve Kenner joins GM Cruise to enhance autonomous driving safety

    General Motors (GM) has appointed Steve Kenner as the safety director of its autonomous vehicle division in a move to strengthen the company’s commitment to safety in autonomous driving technology. Kenner, who has previously worked at Apple and Uber, brings decades of experience in the automotive industry to his new role.

    Experience at Apple and Uber

    During his time at Apple, Kenner played a crucial role in overseeing safety and regulatory activities for the secretive “Titan” car project. This experience highlights his expertise in navigating the complexities of developing cutting-edge automotive technologies. Prior to his tenure at Apple, Kenner held prominent positions at major American automakers such as Ford and Chrysler, accumulating nearly 40 years of invaluable experience in the field.

    Extensive Industry Background

    Kenner’s automotive career began at General Motors in 1978, and he has since held leadership roles at Chrysler and Ford. His extensive engineering background and strategic management skills further solidify his credentials as a seasoned industry veteran.

    Advocacy for Regulatory Engagement

    During his time at Apple and later at Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group, Kenner actively advocated for updated policies that would facilitate the testing of self-driving cars on public roads. This demonstrates his proactive approach to regulatory engagement and collaboration within the industry.

    Advancing Safety Initiatives at GM Cruise

    As the safety director at GM Cruise, Kenner will leverage his wealth of experience to advance safety initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance within the autonomous driving realm. His commitment to partnership with regulators reflects GM’s dedication to prioritizing passenger safety and fostering trust within the broader ecosystem.

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  • LiDAR and Mobileye’s Chauffeur Autonomous Driving System to be Integrated in Polestar 4

    LiDAR and Mobileye’s Chauffeur Autonomous Driving System to be Integrated in Polestar 4

    The Polestar 4 is set to redefine the boundaries of autonomous driving with the integration of two groundbreaking technologies: Luminar LiDAR and Mobileye Chauffeur. As a subsidiary of Volvo and a brand known for its commitment to sustainability, Polestar is pushing the boundaries of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

    Groundbreaking Technologies

    The integration of Luminar's LiDAR technology is a game-changer in the EV industry. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, uses pulsed laser light to measure distances. This technology allows the Polestar 4 to accurately detect and navigate its surroundings, greatly enhancing its autonomous driving capabilities. This advancement is crucial for safer and more reliable autonomous driving experiences.

    Complementing LiDAR is Mobileye Chauffeur, an autonomous driving system developed by Mobileye, an Intel company. This system equips the Polestar 4 with Level 3 autonomy capabilities. In automotive terms, Level 3 autonomy means the vehicle can handle most driving tasks independently but requires human intervention in more complex or challenging scenarios. This level of autonomy is a significant leap from the more common Level 2 systems that require constant human oversight.

    Leading the EV Market

    The combination of LiDAR and Level 3 autonomy places the Polestar 4 at the forefront of the EV market. This integration of groundbreaking technologies represents a significant step towards fully autonomous vehicles and underscores Polestar's commitment to leading the EV sector, particularly in the realm of self-driving cars.

    A Milestone for the EV Industry

    Not only is this a milestone for Polestar, but it also signifies a broader shift in the EV industry. The integration of complex and sophisticated technologies highlights the evolution of EVs from environmentally friendly alternatives to technologically advanced vehicles. The Polestar 4 is more than just another EV; it is a testament to the potential of electric mobility and the future of autonomous driving.

    With the introduction of the Polestar 4, Polestar is set to make a definitive impact on the EV industry. By incorporating Luminar LiDAR and Mobileye Chauffeur, the brand is pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving and positioning itself as a leader in the field. This integration of groundbreaking technologies not only enhances the vehicle's autonomous driving capabilities but also showcases the industry's move towards more advanced and sophisticated EVs. The Polestar 4 represents the future of electric mobility and the potential of fully autonomous vehicles.

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