Tesla Patent Reveals How Tesla Optimizes FSD

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As a continuation of our series on Tesla’s patents, we’re taking a look at how Tesla optimizes the performance of AI - FSD, in this case - in autonomous vehicles and robots. Patent WO2024073115A1 goes over efficiently running complex AI models on specialized hardware.

Before we dive into this article, we recommend reading our article on How FSD Works and our other article on Tesla’s Universal Translator for streamlining FSD deployments. While they’re not necessary, the background knowledge will help you appreciate all the details behind how Tesla does their optimization.

Just like before, we’ll be breaking this down into sections and making them as easily understandable as possible.

AI Subnetworks

FSD isn’t a monolithic entity - it is composed of smaller, specialized sub-networks, each dedicated to a specific aspect or function of autonomous operation. This modular design means that Tesla can work on improving one or all sections through training. When one section is improved, the end-to-end nature of the AI also means that the other sections will learn to adapt to the improvements and, therefore, perform better. It also allows for more efficient processing and adaptability during deployment and initial platform training.

These sub-networks might be responsible for tasks such as:

• Recognizing and interpreting traffic signals

• Detecting and tracking moving objects including vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and more

• Maintaining lane position and navigating roads

• Generating 3D maps of the surrounding environment

• Planning paths and making real-time driving decisions

This division of labor allows FSD to handle the complexities of autonomous driving with greater efficiency and precision

Tailored Compilers

Different hardware components are good at different things - and they also require different types of instructions. CPUs, GPUs, and specialized AI accelerators (NPUs) all have unique architecture and capabilities.

Tesla uses a compiler toolchain to translate FSD into machine code that is specifically tailored to each hardware component. This ensures that instructions are executed optimally on each processor, maximizing performance and efficiency.

Strategic Assignment

To further optimize performance, Tesla employs a system that intelligently assigns each FSD sub-network to the most suitable hardware component. This ensures that computationally demanding tasks are handled by the most powerful processors while simpler tasks are delegated to more efficient units.

This strategic assignment of tasks maximizes the overall efficiency of the system, ensuring that each component operates within its optimal performance range.

Optimized Scheduling

The order in which the hardware executes instructions also plays a crucial role in performance. Tesla's system includes an "execution scheduler" that determines the most efficient sequence of operations, minimizing delays and maximizing real-time responsiveness.

This optimized scheduling ensures that the FSD can react quickly and make informed decisions in dynamic driving situations - or quick-response situations with Optimus - like catching a ball.

While the demo here has been confirmed to be teleoperated, Tesla has said they’re working to let Optimus do this autonomously in the future.

Let’s give Optimus a hand for catching ball!
pic.twitter.com/i44qcD1iLd

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2024

Quantization-Aware Training

To reduce the computational burden and power consumption of FSD, Tesla employs a technique called "quantization-aware training." This involves training FSD to work with lower-precision numbers, which require less processing power and memory. Essentially - rounding.

This approach allows the AI to operate efficiently without significantly compromising accuracy, striking a balance between performance and resource utilization.

Clock Synchronization

In hardware systems with multiple chips, maintaining precise timing is crucial for accurate and synchronized operation. Tesla's system incorporates mechanisms to synchronize the clocks of all processing units, preventing timing errors and ensuring seamless coordination between different components.

This precise clock synchronization is essential for FSD to make accurate real-time calculations and respond effectively to changing conditions.

Redundancy and Failover

To ensure reliability and safety, Tesla's system supports redundant hardware configurations. This means that if a critical component fails, a backup component can seamlessly take over, preventing disruptions in operation.

This redundancy and failover capability is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of autonomous systems, especially when driving. Tesla has built-in both physical and software redundancy to FSD, ensuring that it maintains a minimum standard of safety when operating autonomously.

In Simpler Terms…

Imagine a large company (FSD) with different departments (sub-networks) responsible for specific tasks. Each department has its own specialized tools and equipment (hardware components). Tesla's system acts like an efficient management structure, assigning the right tasks to the right departments, providing them with the appropriate tools, and coordinating their efforts for optimal productivity and performance.

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Tesla Transforms Old Gas Station into Supercharger

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Tesla takes the good old motto of reuse, reduce, and recycle quite seriously. In this case, they’ve decided to upcycle an old Shell gas station into a beautiful new Supercharger site.

This isn’t a new move by any means—companies like St1 Nordic and Circle K have already started transitioning their gas stations in EV-heavy nations like Norway into pure EV chargers—but it is still truly inspiring. It’s a clear sign that the world is transitioning toward cleaner energy and shifting toward EVs.

That shift has definitely been happening faster in Europe, where the adoption of EVs has been greatly assisted by the reduction of gasoline and diesel subsidies, and the more tight-knit and closer-placed communities tend to make EV ownership a far easier transition than in North America.

Gas Station Turned Supercharger

In the heart of Córdoba, Spain, a transformation has taken place that really demonstrates what the future looks like. A once unremarkable Shell gas station has been reimagined and now proudly displays the iconic Tesla logo, illuminated with the same energy that fuels the Supercharger stations below.

An inspiring and futuristic transformation

TheEVuniverse

While the design remains much the same, Tesla’s small but subtle changes have already moved it from the usual gas station with a dimly lit sign to a futuristic place to charge your EV.

There are a total of eight V4 stalls set up utilizing a V3 Supercharger cabinet, capable of the usual 250kW. These are not yet powered by the upcoming V4 cabinets that will be capable of charging at 500kW.

It’s a bold move by Tesla to repurpose a gas station into a Supercharger, but it is also a testament to the company's commitment to accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. While Tesla believes in adding Superchargers at locations with plenty of amenities that will aid drivers during road trips, this makes a clear statement that electric cars are the future.

It is super exciting to see Tesla do this, and we’re hoping to catch even more of this in the future. This isn’t a one-off phenomenon. We’re going to see more and more gas stations get converted into futuristic charging stations as more people embrace electric vehicles around the world, so take this as a hint of more to come.

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More Leaks and Images of the New 2025 Model Y (Juniper)

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Even more imagery of the Model Y Juniper has been spotted, this time in Spain rather than the US. These new shots have even more detail than the last ones we saw, so we’re excited to take a peek and see what we can determine.

We’re pretty sure that Juniper will be announced later this month. A new report out of China states that the vehicle will be available before the Chinese New Year, which falls on January 29th this year. Deliveries are expected the following month at the earliest, according to the report.

Front

The front imagery reveals that this isn’t just another Model Y with custom modifications kicking about. These lines are reminiscent of the design concepts we previously showed and fairly different than the current Model Y. 

Look at the center of the grill area, you'll note a tell-tale bump for the camera housing.

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One of the key images here is this zoomed-in shot of the front bumper. You’ll notice there is a slightly offset piece that is being covered up by the bumper cling. Given previous images and what we’ve already heard about Juniper coming with a front bumper camera, this seems to be even more of an indication that Tesla’s refreshed vehicles will all host a bumper camera.

It is by and far one of the most popular features of the Cybertruck, and we see no reason for Tesla not to bring it to its entire vehicle lineup over time.

Side

The side shot is fairly similar to the current Model Y. It features the same updated door design that’s available on the new Model 3. It also appears to have a slightly tweaked side mirror, which isn’t available on the Model 3.

It retains the ever-popular Model Y shape and size.

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Rear

The rear ends of Teslas are always fairly distinctive, enough that once you’ve seen a few, you can spot the tell-tale taillights from a few blocks away. And the Juniper’s tail will likely also be very unique. This first image, taken at an angle, provides a bit of a peek into the rear side brake lights and what appears to be a white bar over either edge.

The rear side shot.

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However, this second image is the most clear image we’ve ever had of the new rear camera on the Juniper. It is very different from the current Model Y’s camera position - raised up and on the lip of the trunk flare rather than underneath it. It’s much more similar to what we saw on the Robotaxi.

Note the bumper camera on the camoflaged lip.

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One thing is for certain - Tesla wouldn’t change camera positions without a good reason for it. That requires training an entirely new FSD and Autopark model to account for the updated camera position. This is likely an optimization for both the new style, and to reduce road grime, mud, dust, and water from sticking to the camera. 

There is no sign of a rear camera washer, which is a bit of a disappointment, given how easily the cameras tend to get dirty.

Either way, with Juniper being spotted now in Europe, China, and North America, it seems we’re getting very close to an actual release. Tesla has also been emptying their Model Y inventory globally, with very few Model Ys available in inventory at most locations.

What’s interesting about some of these new details is that it appears the Model Y is diverging from the design elements of the Model 3. It appears it’ll include a rear and front light bar, similar to the Cybertruck, different mirrors and potentially different tail lights as well. While we all expect the interior to be similar to the new Model 3, it wouldn’t be surprising if it comes with some unique attributes as well. See our rumor roundup for even more details on the upcoming Model Y redesign.

We’re super excited for the launch of the new Model Y, as it’ll be a refresh to the world’s best-selling vehicle - and that’s not a small feat to upgrade. All imagery is courtesy of the Spanish Outlet motor.es.

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