Tag: cabin radar

  • Tesla Model Y: New Feature Flashes Lights and Sounds for Kids

    Tesla Model Y: New Feature Flashes Lights and Sounds for Kids

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Tesla Model Y introduces a “4D” cabin radar that improves occupancy detection for enhanced safety.
    2. This radar can measure characteristics like size, height, weight, and heart rates, aiding in safety measures for unattended pets or children.
    3. All Tesla vehicles with cabin radar will receive the Child Left Alone Detection feature through a software update.
    4. Tesla uses in-cabin radar for Child Presence Detection, allowing it to detect physical changes like breathing, unlike many competitors using ultrasonic sensors.
    5. Future features may include automatic air conditioning adjustments and emergency service notifications if there’s no response to alerts.

    The 2026 Tesla Model Y has introduced a new “4D” cabin radar, which engineers claim will enhance occupancy detection related to safety.

    Enhanced Safety Features

    This advanced radar, placed beneath the headliner, can measure various characteristics of people inside the vehicle, including their size, height, weight, and even heart rates. According to Lars Moravy, the lead engineer at Tesla, this data could help in implementing more sophisticated safety measures, such as identifying if pets or children are left unattended in the vehicle without activating the appropriate mode. The radar can detect alterations in breathing patterns and heart rates, triggering the car’s computer to open windows or adjust the air conditioning. Additionally, it can notify the car owner via the Tesla app. In the future, the Model Y might even be capable of dialing 911 if there is no response to these alerts.

    Features Across Tesla Models

    These occupant safety features are being rolled out to all Tesla cars that have a cabin radar. While these older models may not feature the “4D” radar technology of the new Model Y, they do have a similar radar system that has been inactive behind the rearview mirror since 2022. This includes models like the refreshed Model 3, the Cybertruck, along with the Model S and Model X, which have been equipped with cabin radar since 2021.

    With the recent update to software version 2025.14.12, all Tesla vehicles will now gain access to the Child Left Alone Detection feature. While Tesla is not yet at the stage of alerting authorities regarding forgotten children in cars, the system will activate hazard lights and produce beeping sounds periodically until someone arrives to unlock the vehicle with the child inside.

    Regulatory Compliance and Competitors

    The alert sent to the Tesla app may be a helpful addition, even though many automakers have already established similar Child Presence Detection (CPD) systems, which are increasingly required by law. For instance, the Euro NCAP crash test program, which recently awarded the Model 3 a 5-star safety rating, now considers certain CPD features when determining the highest safety scores.

    Tesla, alongside companies like Hyundai, opts for in-cabin radar instead of ultrasonic sensors for CPD functionality. This method allows the radar to detect minute physical changes, such as breathing, through seats and other barriers. It can also differentiate between adults, children, and pets, even if they are seated in the back.

    It’s still uncertain when Tesla will incorporate additional CPD features that their engineers have discussed, such as activating the air conditioning or contacting emergency services if there is no response to alerts, sounds, or app notifications.

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  • Tesla Expands Important Child Safety Feature to More Models

    Tesla Expands Important Child Safety Feature to More Models

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is adding a child presence detection feature to the updated Model Y to enhance child safety in vehicles.
    2. The feature uses cabin radar to identify passengers and can alert owners or emergency services if a child is detected inside a locked car.
    3. NHTSA reports that at least 37 children die from heat stroke each year in the U.S. after being left unattended in vehicles, underscoring the need for such safety features.
    4. Other Tesla models, including newer versions of the Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck, will also receive the child safety feature.
    5. The cabin radar will help determine passenger size for proper airbag deployment during accidents, improving overall safety in collisions.

    Children getting trapped in cars often make news, sadly with tragic outcomes. However, Tesla is taking steps to change this by adding a child presence detection feature to the updated Model Y. It’s exciting to note that more models will soon include this crucial safety feature.

    Advanced Detection System

    Tesla is implementing this by activating cabin radar, which is the core technology that helps identify passengers inside the vehicle. When a locked Tesla car detects a child inside, it can send alerts to the owner’s mobile app or turn on the HVAC system. Additionally, it has the ability to reach out to emergency services and share its location, aiding in swift rescues.

    Safety Statistics

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that at least 37 children die from heat stroke each year in the United States after being left unattended in vehicles. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of such features in modern cars.

    Expanded Model Safety

    Other Tesla models that will receive the child safety feature include newer versions of the Model Y, Model 3, and the Cybertruck. Some of these models have already been confirmed to have the necessary hardware to support this function.

    Moreover, the cabin radar will assist in identifying passengers by size, which is vital for determining how airbags should be deployed during accidents. This capability will significantly improve safety for everyone involved during collisions.

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  • Tesla Unlocks Model Y Radar Features with Free Hardware Upgrade

    Tesla Unlocks Model Y Radar Features with Free Hardware Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Model Y Juniper features a 4D cabin radar for advanced occupancy detection, measuring factors like size, height, weight, and heart rate.

    2. A recent software update (2025.2.6) enables occupancy detection in older Model Y vehicles that have had dormant cabin radar since November 2021.

    3. Tesla clarified that all new 2025 Model Ys come standard with an updated first-row cabin sensing system using cabin radar, which older models also possess the hardware for.

    4. The advanced 4D radar in the new Model Y can monitor back seat occupancy and respond to changes in heart rate, potentially taking actions like opening windows or contacting emergency services.

    5. Tesla is offering “hardware replacement” service invitations for older units, allowing owners to install the new software update, though it remains unclear if they will receive the new 4D cabin radar.

    The new Model Y Juniper facelift features a 4D cabin radar, which Tesla’s chief engineer Lars Moravy explained in an interview with Jay Leno is designed for advanced occupancy detection. This includes measurements such as “size, height, weight, heart rate.”

    Software Update for Older Models

    With the recent 2025.2.6 software update, Tesla is enabling occupancy detection in older Model Y vehicles that have had a dormant cabin radar since November 2021. The 2022 Model Y and newer versions, along with the refreshed Model 3 and Cybertruck, all have a radar positioned under the headliner just above the rearview mirror that has not been utilized until now.

    Clarification for Owners

    Tesla has stated that the “first-row cabin sensing system has been updated to use cabin radar, which is now standard in all new 2025 Model Ys.” They also reassured owners that their “Model Y was built pre-equipped with the necessary hardware” to avoid confusion about the sudden presence of radar in their cars.

    Lars Moravy indicated that Tesla has integrated radar into the seat sensors to assess passenger size, which aids in deciding which airbags to activate during a crash, among other safety improvements.

    Limitations of Older Units

    The cabin radar in older Model Y units will only function as part of a “first-row cabin sensing system.” In contrast, the new Model Y Juniper is equipped with a 4D radar that also monitors back seat occupancy. This advanced system can detect the breathing and pulse rates of passengers and respond accordingly. For instance, if a child or pet is left in the back seat and their heart rate increases, the Model Y facelift may automatically open a window or adjust the A/C and alert the driver via the Tesla app. In extreme cases, it can even contact emergency services.

    It remains uncertain which features will be available for older Model Y units, as currently, Tesla is only enabling radar for occupancy detection and dynamic airbag deployment, which will also apply to the Model 3 and Cybertruck.

    Hardware Replacement Invitations

    While the older units might not support pulse detection or second-row occupancy like the new Model Y Juniper, Tesla has begun sending surprise “hardware replacement” service invitations. These notifications read “Cabin Radar Replacement,” and Tesla offers a free swap at a service center if the owner wants to download and install the “Spring 2025 software update.”

    Whether this indicates that some older Model Y vehicles will receive the new 4D cabin radar with the Juniper facelift or if their current units are simply considered defective, affecting the software update, is still unclear.

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