Tag: cabin radar

  • 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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