Tesla started production Version 12 of Full Self Driving (FSD). The software on paper represents an important evolution from a technical perspective. Full Self-Driving (Beta) V12.1.2 is currently available to a small number of US customers (beta testers not affiliated with the company). Over time, the new software will become available to more users.
It took a long time before the 12th version of FSD was released to the automaker’s customers. Elon Musk promised his arrival several times, but the deadlines were not met (which is not new when it comes to Tesla’s number one promises). After a long testing phase with company employees trying out the new software on their cars, the official release has finally begun.
The main innovation concerns the use of neural networks. FSD v12 has been rewritten for use only end-to-end neural networks. Simply put, this means that the car will be driven by artificial intelligence, that is, the system’s ability to interpret the environment (thanks to Tesla Vision), rather than using programming specified by the developers instead. This choice also made the software more compact, as up to 300,000 lines of code were saved. In the release notes we find the following:
FSD Beta v12 transforms a collection of city street navigation into a single end-to-end neural network trained on millions of video clips, replacing over 300,000 lines of C++ code.
When Tesla first unveiled its full self-driving system, it made it clear that this would be the approach. However, it took years before we were able to arrive at a system based solely on neural networks. Despite initial promises, v12 it’s still in beta testing.
My first two drives with FSD 12 went through without interference. No pressing on the accelerator. No speed changes. No takeovers. No awkward moments. pic.twitter.com/ilxCWfhqO9
— Catalog of all Mars (@WholeMarsBlog) January 22, 2024
Over the next few weeks, as the new software becomes available on more and more vehicles, it will be possible to really understand whether there has been a clear step forward in FSD functionality. In fact, there are more and more videos online showing how the new version of the FSD software works. Some initial comments from users who have had access to the new software report a smoother driving experience.
With greater availability to customers using the software platform, Tesla will also be able to obtain more data to further improve the functioning of the neural networks that control full self-driving.
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.