Tesla Rolls Out FSD 12.4 with Attention Monitoring System to Employees

Tuesday - May 21 2024, 04:03 UTC - 6 months ago

Tesla has rolled out the latest version of its Full Self-Driving software (FSD 12.4) to its employees, including a new attention monitoring system that removes the need for the steering wheel nag. The update also brings new features, and an updated strike system has been implemented to enforce responsible use of FSD. These changes are expected to greatly improve driver comfort and reduce interventions.

It's a great time to be a Tesla employee as the company has just rolled out the latest version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to its employees. The new version, FSD 12.4, comes with an all-new attention monitoring system, which means drivers no longer have to keep touching the steering wheel to confirm their presence behind the wheel.

This latest update, version 2024.9.5, is likely based on the earlier 2024.8 branch and not Tesla's latest 2024.14. However, this update still includes some exciting features, such as a new media player and a new parked visualization, as well as Audible support and a preview of Sentry Mode events. It's clear that Tesla is committed to continually improving its FSD capabilities and making the driving experience more enjoyable for its customers.

One of the biggest changes with this latest update is the introduction of the new attention monitoring system. This system allows the FSD system to rely on the vehicle's cabin camera under certain conditions to determine driver attention, removing the need for the dreaded steering wheel nag. These conditions include the camera not being obstructed, sufficient lighting, the driver looking forward, and not wearing sunglasses or a low-brim hat that might cover their eyes. Of course, if any of these situations don't apply, or if the vehicle doesn't have a cabin camera, the FSD system will continue to use the steering wheel to determine driver attention.

In addition to the attention monitoring system, Tesla has also updated its Autopilot Suspension feature. This feature is designed to enforce responsible use of the FSD system by providing the driver with up to five strikes before Autopilot and FSD become unavailable. With the new update, Tesla is changing the way strikes are removed, allowing for a more ongoing process. However, the driver can still only receive one strike per week, and if strikes accumulate, FSD will be unavailable for one week. It's also worth noting that this new strike system will apply to vehicles with and without a cabin camera, showing that Tesla is dedicated to ensuring safe and responsible use of its FSD system.

Overall, these updates to the FSD system are expected to greatly impact driver comfort and reduce interventions. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that he expects to see a 5-10x improvement in interventions, making for a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience. With these improvements and continued updates, Tesla is well on its way to achieving its goal of fully autonomous driving.