Tesla FSD fails to stop at a robotaxi protest in Austin

Key Concepts:

• Robo Taxi Pilot Program: Tesla's planned autonomous taxi service.
• Full Self-Driving (FSD): Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system.
• V13.2.9: A specific version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving software.
• Dawn Project: An activist group critical of Tesla's FSD technology.
• Tesla Takedown: A campaign by the Dawn Project against Tesla.
• Hit and Run: The act of leaving the scene of an accident without providing information.

Tesla's Robo Taxi Pilot Program in Austin

Tesla is aiming to launch its Robo Taxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, with a target start date of June 22nd, as announced by CEO Elon Musk. This initiative represents a significant step towards autonomous transportation.

Concerns and Opposition

The planned launch faces opposition from auto safety experts and anti-Musk activists. Their concerns stem from Tesla's history of accidents, including injuries and fatal collisions, involving its partially automated driving systems.

Dawn Project Protest in Austin

The Dawn Project, along with Tesla Takedown and Resist Austin, organized a demonstration against Tesla on June 12th in Austin. The protest highlighted perceived limitations and dangers of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.

Demonstration of FSD Limitations

A spokesperson for the Dawn Project brought a Model Y equipped with FSD version V13.2.9 to the demonstration. The purpose was to showcase the system's shortcomings in real-world scenarios.

Simulated "Hit and Run" Incident

During the demonstration, with FSD engaged and the driver's foot off the pedal, the Tesla Model Y appeared to run over a child-sized mannequin with its back wheels. The vehicle allegedly continued driving without beeping or providing any warning, simulating a "hit and run" scenario. The demonstrator stated, "And we just run him over with the back wheels and the car has just done a hit and run without beeping without any warning and it's just carrying on with its day like it hasn't just killed a child."

Conclusion

Tesla's Robo Taxi pilot program in Austin is met with controversy due to safety concerns surrounding its Full Self-Driving technology. The Dawn Project's demonstration aimed to expose the potential dangers of FSD, particularly its alleged failure to recognize and avoid pedestrians, raising questions about the readiness and safety of Tesla's autonomous driving systems.