Tesla Autopilot should be recalled via the next OTA update.
The “Autopilot” branding implies that users need not pay attention, when in reality, the system needs interventions at infrequent but hard-to-predict times. If an engineer at Apple can’t figure it out, then the average person has no chance. Their software sets users up to fail. (Where failure means permanent disability or death.)
Inevitably, Musk fans will claim that recalling Autopilot actually makes Tesla drivers less safe. But here's the problem with Musk’s framing of Autopilot.
Sure, maybe it fails less often than humans. (We don't know whether we can trust his numbers.) But we do know that when it fails, it fails in different ways — Autopilot crashes are noteworthy because they happen in situations where human drivers would have no problem. That’s what people can’t get over. And it is why Autopilot is such a dangerous feature.
An automaker with more humility would’ve disabled this feature years ago. (Even Uber suspended testing after the Arizona crash!) With Musk, my fear is that more people will have to die before there is enough pressure from regulators / the public to pull the plug.
> But we do know that when it fails, it fails in different
Oh the hubris of man. I am not even a Tesla fan, but still. "I'd rather have 2 of 100 people drive against a wall instead of 1 of 100 automatic cars driving against a wall.", that's what you are essentially saying, no?
The “Autopilot” branding implies that users need not pay attention, when in reality, the system needs interventions at infrequent but hard-to-predict times. If an engineer at Apple can’t figure it out, then the average person has no chance. Their software sets users up to fail. (Where failure means permanent disability or death.)
Inevitably, Musk fans will claim that recalling Autopilot actually makes Tesla drivers less safe. But here's the problem with Musk’s framing of Autopilot.
Sure, maybe it fails less often than humans. (We don't know whether we can trust his numbers.) But we do know that when it fails, it fails in different ways — Autopilot crashes are noteworthy because they happen in situations where human drivers would have no problem. That’s what people can’t get over. And it is why Autopilot is such a dangerous feature.
An automaker with more humility would’ve disabled this feature years ago. (Even Uber suspended testing after the Arizona crash!) With Musk, my fear is that more people will have to die before there is enough pressure from regulators / the public to pull the plug.