Tesla has taken another step into the future with its latest patent filing for a steer-by-wire system. Late last year, speculation was that this system might be coming in 2023. The system, poised to replace traditional steering mechanisms, brings promising advantages: increased efficiency, advanced steering configurations, and the opportunity for groundbreaking vehicle cockpit designs.
The Steer-by-Wire System
At this point, you may wonder: What is a steer-by-wire system, and how does it change the game?
Steer-by-wire technology eliminates the mechanical linkage between the steering and the vehicle's wheels. Instead, steering inputs from the driver are converted into electronic signals, which are then processed by the vehicle's computer system to control the wheels' direction. This transformation promises an ultra-responsive, smoother, and more efficient steering experience, a development bound to change how we drive.
Setting Stage for a Shift with the Steer-by-Wire System
Tesla's steer-by-wire system, as detailed in the patent, is designed with a remarkable feature: redundancy. The system does away with the need for a backup mechanical steering system, relying instead on zonally isolated redundant components. This ensures that even in the event of a component failure, the overall system's performance remains uncompromised.
But how does this fit with Tesla's current design? The company's novel yoke steering wheel, which made waves in 2021, seems the perfect candidate for a steer-by-wire system. This bold design has met with mixed reviews, primarily due to its deviation from traditional hand-over-hand steering. Yet, with a steer-by-wire system, such a design could come into its own, by offering different steering ratios at various speeds, essentially eliminating hand-over-hand actions.
How Steer-by-Wire System Edges Out Traditional Mechanisms
The steer-by-wire system isn't just about changing the status quo; it's about enhancing it. One key benefit is the potential to speed up production by reducing the number of parts needed for the steering mechanism. Additionally, the drive-by-wire technology promises a smoother ride, as the steering wheel is no longer directly connected to the road, minimizing vibration and pull on uneven surfaces.
Moreover, the advanced system responds to multiple variables to create a precise steering ratio, providing a more effortless and intuitive driving experience. This could be particularly beneficial for those who might find traditional steering challenging, such as seniors or individuals with disabilities.
With competition heating up in the EV market, Tesla's steer-by-wire patent signals its continued commitment to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of electric vehicles. Time will tell how this technology transforms our driving experience.
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On October 26, Tesla’s VP of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, announced that the company would soon release a fix for multiple warnings when FSD is degraded due to obstructed cameras. This update, part of FSD 12.5.6.2, addresses feedback from Tesla drivers, like X user TGWoodsy, who pointed out that these repeated alerts can be distracting, especially during bad weather.
FSD 12.5.6.2 started rolling out to employees on November 5th and was soon replaced with another update, version 12.5.6.3, a few days later. With FSD 12.5.6.3 now rolling out widely to AI4 vehicles, we have our first look at Tesla’s improved warning system.
Tesla went the extra mile here; they didn’t just reduce the FSD warnings but introduced a whole new interface that offers clearer, more specific information on which cameras are obstructed and actionable steps to improve visibility.
Warning
In previous versions, Tesla’s FSD would occasionally display a generic “degraded” warning whenever camera visibility was impacted, especially by rain, snow, or dirt. These warnings could trigger multiple alerts in quick succession, leading to audible notifications that were more distracting than helpful.
In FSD 12.5.6.3, Tesla has revamped this approach. Instead of repeatedly notifying drivers of degraded visibility, the system now provides a similar warning message that shows which camera’s visibility is limited and states that Autopilot features may be limited.
New Alert with Tips
@juztenough
In addition to the warning message, Tesla now displays an alert in the bottom left corner of the UI for Model 3 and Model Y owners that could be swiped away.
This notification gives you some additional information on why Autopilot may be degraded. It looks like Tesla stopped using the term FSD in these alerts and is now using “Autopilot,” hinting that this feature will also be available for regular Autopilot use. This new notification gives you a tip on how to improve camera clarity and even displays a thumbnail of the camera that’s obstructed.
This notification also has a View button that can be tapped to display more information about the camera or cameras that are obstructed.
Detailed View
Tesla has also added an option to view more in-depth information on the obstruction, allowing users to identify which specific camera is impacted and exactly where it’s located on the vehicle. By tapping “View,” drivers can open a detailed modal next to the FSD visualization. This pop-up displays a diagram of the vehicle and highlights the obstructed camera in question. This can be especially useful if it’s one of the front-facing cameras.
Tesla vehicles with Hardware 3 (HW3) have three front-facing cameras, while those with Hardware 4 (HW4) include two. The detailed view outlines the location of the obstructed cameras and shows a larger view of the obstructed camera, giving users a better idea of why it may be obstructed.
The Cybertruck has now celebrated its first Halloween, and owners did not disappoint in coming up with clever and unique decorations for their stainless steel trunk. Make sure you’ve got whatever is left of your candy nearby cause we’re going in.
Aliens
Up in the hero image to get us started - the Cybertruck is really a piece of alien technology. At least, that’s how it appears when it first arrives in town. So, why not celebrate the alien-ness of the Cybertruck to North American roads? We love it.
Spooky
@jayvee10x over on X put together this fantastic display for Halloween and included their Cybertruck! The Cybertruck would definitely be a good vehicle of choice to take on zombies and walking skeletons.
By @jayvee10x.
@jayvee10x
Halo
TeslaKen over on the Cybertruck Owner’s Club forums put together this outstanding Cosplay of Master Chief from Halo, and wrapped up his Cybertruck to look like a Warthog. Probably one of the coolest costumes we’ve seen so far.
By TeslaKen on the CT Owners Club
TeslaKen
Jaws
Sometimes, all you need to do to get a scare is to show some nice sharp teeth. The smoke machine just completes the look with the red glow.
Fangs!
Not a Tesla App
More Aliens
Terry Stach and Robert Martin captured some aliens in their trucks. Best to keep an eye on these ones, lest they whisk you away in their Cyber-UFO. Just watch out though, because @brandtsla over on X is being chased by that UFO!
The Cyberbeast’s logo is the three-headed hound that guards the gates of hell - Cereberus. Turns out that S.E. Robinson let the dogs out. Our favorite, all things said. Maybe a smoke machine and some red lights to complete the look though! Oh wait, he’s got that too!
The Cybertruck makes an incredible canvas for Halloween decorations, and we’re eager to see even more creative ideas emerge as it heads into its second Halloween season next year.
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