Senior Volvo Engineer Thinks Tesla's Autopilot System Sucks

In a recent interview, the technical leader of crash avoidance at Volvo laid into Autopilot, labelling it "more of an unsupervised wannabe"
Senior Volvo Engineer Thinks Tesla's Autopilot System Sucks

As far as Tesla is concerned, its Autopilot system has been a roaring success. After all, Elon Musk mentioned only recently that it reduces the probability of an accident for its users by a massive 50 per cent. However, not everyone is convinced.

Speaking to The Verge, Volvo’s senior technical leader of crash avoidance Trent Victor was critical of the system, saying that “it gives you the impression that it’s doing more than it is,” adding that Autopilot “is more of an unsupervised wannabe.”

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The danger of this, according to Victor, is that its users are tempted to get on with other things - checking emails, high-fiving passengers etc - despite the fact they’re expected to take back control at a moment’s notice. And if they do need to take back control, crucial time will be lost due to the fact that they’re not prepared.

This is what’s known as a Level 3 autonomous vehicle, but what Volvo prefers is the idea of a Level 4 vehicle. That’s why Volvo’s Drive Me pilot - due to be rolled out in limited public tests next year - fits into the Level 4 description, and will be a safer solution, says Victor. “In our concept, if you don’t take over, if you have fallen asleep or are watching a film, then we will take responsibility still… We won’t just turn [it] off.”

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Comments

Anonymous

Uh oh, Tesla and it’s fans are about to start whining. When are they not I know.

04/28/2016 - 19:45 |
0 | 0
Alex P

I think any autonomous vehicle sucks.

04/28/2016 - 20:17 |
0 | 0
Antiprius

That’s the way Tesla’s autopilot is going. Eventually it will become a Level 4 system. The cars are already fitted with the right hardware to make it work. The reason why it has debuted in Level 3 trim (remember that it is still in beta testing) is so Tesla can gather sufficient real-world data in order to make the eventual Level 4 system safer. Volvo, at least show us that you can actually make one of these systems before you hate on others.
/rant over

04/28/2016 - 20:47 |
2 | 3
Daniel 21

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_47utWAoupo

after the same people made a car that not only smoked the back of a truck in the demonstration but also almost ran over someone in another more recent demonstration…

04/28/2016 - 21:07 |
0 | 2
Anonymous

Enter your comment…

04/28/2016 - 22:02 |
0 | 0
theSPAZZ

I think Volvo’s safety systems suck

04/28/2016 - 23:29 |
1 | 2
Anonymous

WOW! Volvo engineer says Tesla’s autonomous system sucks! What about Volvo’s automatic brakes? 😂😂

04/29/2016 - 07:06 |
1 | 1
theSPAZZ

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Look above what I posted

04/29/2016 - 22:17 |
0 | 0
Phil Collins 2

What he’s criticising is merely a software update for the Tesla.

Why don’t he take his non autonomous Volvo, and drive himself home and stfu. Haters gonna hate I guess

04/30/2016 - 06:46 |
1 | 1

V and S90s have autonomous mode

04/30/2016 - 07:14 |
0 | 0
Omar Gharib

Hmmmmm

04/30/2016 - 15:08 |
0 | 0
Omar Gharib

Hmmmmm

04/30/2016 - 15:08 |
0 | 0