Tesla has started rolling out FSD v12 to employees
Not a Tesla App
Elon Musk announced earlier this month that Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) v12 would be released in two weeks. The usual timeframe reference Musk is famous for was met with skepticism. However, it seems that Tesla is right on track with its rollout.
We have learned through a trusted source that FSD v12 has started rolling out internally with Tesla update 2023.38.10.
Update: Musk has responded to our article on X, confirming that Tesla has indeed starting rolling out FSD v12 to employees.
FSD v12 is the update that is expected to remove "beta" from the title. The initial rollout to employees appears more limited in scale than previous updates. Considering the magnitude of the changes in this version, it makes sense to start slow.
Public Release
The timing of this internal release is close to two major Tesla events. The Cybertruck delivery event is just a few days away. Many eyes will be on the company during the event, allowing Tesla to possibly show the world its latest breakthrough. Alternatively, the highly anticipated holiday update, often regarded as the best update of the year, is expected to be released by 'Santa Musk' in the coming weeks, potentially featuring v12 as a significant addition.
Newer Features
The latest public FSD build, v11.4.7.3, is Tesla update 2023.27.7. This FSD build is several revisions behind the latest production builds, so it's nice to see that v12 will bring FSD beta testers back up to speed with some of the latest Tesla features such as Predictive Charger Availability, Faster Hazard Lights After a Crash, and other features included in updates 2023.32 and 2023.38.
As for FSD improvements, we haven't had a chance to see the release notes for FSD v12 yet. However, now that it has started going out to employees, it shouldn't be long before we find out all the FSD improvements included in this milestone release.
FSD v12: A Leap Forward with Neural Net Use
A significant change in v12 is eliminating over 300,000 lines of code previously governing FSD functions that controlled the vehicle, replaced by further reliance on neural networks. This transition means the system reduces its dependency on hard-coded programming. Instead, FSD v12 is using neural networks to control steering, acceleration, and braking for the first time. Up until now, neural networks have been limited to detecting objects and determining their attributes, but v12 will be the first time Tesla starts using neural networks for vehicle control.
The FSD v12 represents a significant leap in Tesla's FSD technology. Musk has described it as an "end-to-end AI", employing a "photon in, controls out" approach akin to human optical processing. This analogy underscores Tesla's ambition to replicate human-like decision-making capabilities in its vehicles.
Labeled as a "Baby AGI" (Artificial General Intelligence), the system is designed to perceive and understand the complexities of the real world. This philosophical and technological shift in AI-driven autonomy was vividly showcased during a live-streamed drive by Musk through Palo Alto, where the Model S demonstrated smooth and almost flawless navigation through various real-world scenarios, including construction zones, roundabouts, and traffic. That was three months ago; imagine how much the system has learned in 90 days.
Looking Forward: The Future of Tesla's AI Endeavors
The rollout of FSD v12 marks a critical point in Tesla's journey in AI and autonomous driving. It's not just about technological prowess but also about aligning AI with nuanced human behavior. With Musk's continued focus on AI, which is evident across his ventures, Tesla remains a crucial player in the EV market and the broader AI revolution.
As we await further details on the public release of FSD v12 and its potential showcase at the Cybertruck event, it's clear that Tesla is moving closer to a future where cars are not just self-driving but are also intelligent and responsive to the complexities of the real world.
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One of Tesla’s greatest weaknesses, as it has quickly become one of the world’s most ubiquitous cars on the planet has always been service. Escalating issues to managers and sometimes even reaching a Tesla Service employee can be a total coin flip, depending on your Service Center.
Tesla is continuing its push to integrate AI across its customer support channels in an effort to improve customer service. According to Raj Jegannathan, Tesla’s VP for IT, AI Infrastructure, Apps, Infosecurity, and Vehicle Service Operations (that’s a lot), Tesla is launching a pilot program for a new AI designed to improve customer interactions with Service.
Tesla Service’s new AI Agent detects comms delays, monitors sentiment, & auto-escalates to leaders. Starts tomorrow at 10 pilot locations. In 2 weeks, type “Escalate” in ‘message center’ to reach managers. Guardrails in place to prevent abuse. We’ll keep improving!
At 10 pilot service locations, this new AI agent will begin working behind the scenes at Tesla Service, to help with customer communications. It will provide three key features:
Detect Communications Delays: The AI will actively monitor service interactions to identify potential delays in communication or progress. These are often a key pain point for customers who reach out to Tesla Service and don’t receive a response for several days, as Service has nothing new to add. The AI can now step in and let the customer know Tesla is still waiting on parts or something else.
Monitor Customer Sentiment: By monitoring the tone and content of the messages between the customer and Service agents, Tesla will be able to identify situations where a customer might be dissatisfied or facing difficulties.
Auto-Escalate: If either a communications delay or negative sentiment is detected, the AI can automatically escalate issues to human managers for review. This helps to address problems before customers need to seek escalation themselves or become upset about an issue.
Customer Escalation Requests
Alongside the new AI tool, Tesla is also introducing a more direct way for customers to get higher-level attention. According to Tesla, within the next two weeks, customers can simply type “Escalate” in order to have their issue routed directly to management.
Raj’s team is currently working on implementing guardrails to prevent abuse, but this will soon make its way to improving Tesla’s service offerings. We’re glad to see Tesla taking steps to identify and correct deficiencies in the process - it has always been a sore tooth for Tesla in the last few years.
Over at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Tesla’s stainless steel-clad retro diner is really coming together. Most recently, we saw the gigantic 45-foot LED screens for the outdoor theater come to life, but there’s been more going on inside than we originally knew about.
Now, thanks to photos shared with us by Thomas Adamian, who ventured over to the site, we have our very first look inside the nearly completed Tesla Diner.
While we knew the concept aimed for a retro-futuristic theme, blending a diner with Superchargers and a modern open-air theater, the initial stages of the interior are well beyond a mere nostalgia project.
Interior Explored
Inside, we’ve got a seamless blend of classic circular diner-style seating accompanied by distinctly modern lighting and fixtures. This definitely brings to life that modernist art-deco feel and feels right at home alongside Tesla’s Robovan, rather than a period set-piece.
The facility is still clearly under active construction in these images, with materials and equipment visible, but they provide the best and most detailed glimpse so far of what the indoor dining experience will look like.
Front Door / Diner Logo
The circular spaceship-like entrance
Thomas Adamian
The circular entrance looks like something out of this world - and while we’re hoping the doors slide inside the walls, like a pocket door, they likely open in or out like a standard door.
This is also one of our first looks at the Tesla Diner sign, which hangs inside the doorway. The logo itself also has an art-deco look and feel. On the door, there’s also a sign confirming that the diner will be open 24/7.
Windows & Artwork
Shutters, Stealth Fighters, and Cybertrucks
Thomas Adamian
Tesla really nailed the style with the windows and shutters, matching the diner’s vibe. In the background, you can also see the concept art for the Cybertruck. We hope Tesla includes artwork for other vehicles as well, as they help tell the Tesla story and give diners an inside look at the company.
Exterior Seating
The exterior seating
Thomas Adamian
There’s also an exterior seating space, which seems to be in the early phases of being laid out. None of those pallets have been disassembled yet, but they likely have outdoor furniture, letting customers sit outside and enjoy a meal.
The Tesla Diner in Hollywood is shaping up to be much more than just a restaurant with chargers. It’ll have in-app functionality with the Tesla app and offer room for 200 diners inside, along with the ability to use a drive-in theater with in-car service. Tesla’s original plans also include rooftop seating, so there’s likely more to come once the construction phase continues.
The idea for a Tesla Diner began in 2023, when it was announced at Tesla’s Investor Day. While the diner has yet to open, it already seems like it’ll be an iconic establishment for the area. Amid recent brand turbulence tied to politics, this project has the potential to refresh Tesla’s image—offering a fun, memorable place to charge.
If there’s one thing we’re hoping for, it’s that the food matches the creativity of the design. Ideally, what Tesla is building in Hollywood becomes a blueprint for similar diners across North America—and eventually, the world.
With its unique concept and prime location, the Diner is poised to become a true LA landmark and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
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