So why has a Model S test mule recently been spotted with a LiDAR-based sensor arrangement?
But its unlikely that the company will introduce the tech to its vehicles let me explain.
The tailgate also features two rear-facing cameras spaced quite far apart.
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On the top of the vehicle are other sensors that have been reported to be LiDAR.
Indeed, one thing Autopilot always seems to struggle with, is identifying vehicles that cross its path.
But theres one problem with that: cost.
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Tesla versus LiDAR
Musk has always been quite outspoken when it comes to LiDAR.
At the companys autonomy day, he said theyrecostly, unnecessary, and a fools errand.
Waymo and Uber have made LiDAR sensors acentral component of its self-driving tech but they are incredibly expensive.
While cost savings are usually always good, this is still too expensive to scale.
It would have an even more dramatic impact on more affordable vehicles like the Model 3.
Would they get the tech retrofitted for an additional cost?
Or would there be two types of Autopilot; one with LiDAR and the other without?
Is adding LiDAR an admission that its regular sensors arent good enough?
It could get confusing, and when things get confusing people lose interest.
Adding LiDAR is unlikely to positively contribute to any of these things in the short term.
Last year,researchers at Cornell University were able to validate the effectiveness of stereo camera setupsagainst LiDAR.
Over time, the gap is expected to continue to narrow.
Its also likely that its experimenting with sensor placement for the Cybertruck.
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
