Musk Explains Why Tesla Robotaxi Is Not Running at Night, and Lidar Is the Answer

Elon Musk say Tesla is working to prevent robotaxis from running over gray cats on the road

Tesla's self-driving cabs use cameras to detect cats and other hazards on the streets.

Musk explains why Tesla Robotaxi is not running at night, and lidar is the answer

Elon Musk says the main thing holding back Tesla Robotaxi’s night hours is that the cars have a hard time seeing pets in the dark. His example was “grey kittens on grey tarmac.” That’s a low-light, low-contrast detection problem, which is the textbook weakness of cameras and the exact thing lidar and radar handle. Musk has spent years calling those sensors a “crutch” and a “fool’s errand.” more…

'All cats are gray at night': Elon Musk explains why robotaxis won't serve customers late at night

Tesla wants to offer full self-driving using only on-board cameras, which would impact the ease of use of the brand’s robotaxis. They do not work at night because of the high risk of encountering pets, which contrast with the dark asphalt. Image source: Unsplash, Emmeli M A Tesla robo-taxi service in Austin, the capital of […]

Tesla Pushes Robotaxi Operations Later at Night While Working to Avoid Pets on Dark Roads

Tesla has extended Robotaxi service in Austin to 11 pm, but nighttime operations remain limited as the company works to improve pet detection on dark roads. Elon Musk reiterated his commitment to camera‑only autonomy, rejecting lidar and thermal sensors even as rivals use them to enhance night vision.

Musk says pet safety behind Robotaxi nighttime limits

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk said the company is working to ensure its Robotaxi vehicles do not hit pets that may be difficult to detect.Responding to a post…