Tesla Autopilot receives latest upgrade: Self-driving feature tweaked in response to real-world use

The Autopilot software upgrade prevents the self-driving mode being applied in inappropriate circumstances

Tesla’s revolutionary autonomous driving function is in a continuous state of evolution, and the latest update comes in response to feedback from real-world users – and abusers...

Aimed at allowing the car to “perform better in common highway driving scenarios”, the Autopilot software upgrade – which has already been remotely downloaded to the Model S and X via the web – prevents the self-driving mode being applied in inappropriate circumstances. This comes after some owners used the hands-free system in residential areas, ignoring Tesla’s advice that at this stage it is better suited to main routes with clear road markings.

In Version 7.1, Autosteer is restricted on residential roads without a central reservation, while maximum speed is set at around the posted limit. Enhanced remote steering function and feel mean lane control and false alarms are more effectively handled, too.

Tesla has even bigger plans for the future. It is currently developing Summon, which lets the driver control certain functions via smartphone, including instructing the car to autonomously park itself in a garage. Looking further ahead, the vehicle would be able navigate itself to its owner when called from far away, even finding charge points en route if required. Fully calendar synced, it would arrive in precisely the right place, at the requested time. The potential is endless...