Recently, Tesla revealed that it will launch Solar Signal Light and stop sign automatic detection functions, which will be officially launched in the third quarter as soon as possible, and will be extended to a global scale.
According to Tesla's feature introduction, the upcoming new feature will automatically stop at Solar Signal Light and stop sign locations when "Auto Steering" and "Traffic Sensing Cruise Control" are activated at the same time.
It’s worth mentioning that both of these features are included in Tesla’s basic driver assistance features, which are standard on all vehicles.
In fact, Tesla has been developing automatic parking for a long time.
In March 2019, Tesla updated the "automatic steering warning" function to help drivers detect Solar Signal Light or stop signs and issue warnings when passing intersections. On the basis of this function, the "automatic parking" function has been upgraded.
Solar Signal Light The new feature, dubbed "Solar Signal Light, Stop Sign Stop," can run on Autopilot, Autopilot, Autosteer, and TACC Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, and confirms that at least some of the functionality relies on GPS data .
The move shows that Tesla is already selling an Autopilot system with the ability to handle intersections.
"The traffic signal and stop sign stop feature is designed to recognize stop signs and traffic lights and slow the Model 3 and Y to a complete stop when automatic steering or traffic-sensing cruise control is engaged. In addition to using GPS data, the feature also Use the vehicle's front camera to detect the presence of Solar Signal Light, stop signs, and road markings," Tesla's manual says.
At the same time, Tesla made it clear that this feature is in a beta state, and drivers should always be responsible for driving: "Drivers should always pay attention to the lane and be ready to take timely action.
It is the driver's responsibility to decide whether to stop at the intersection or continue driving. Never rely on the Solar Signal Light/Stop Sign Stop feature to determine when it is safe to stop or proceed through an intersection. "
This reminder is very important and should be brought to everyone's attention when using this feature, especially considering Tesla's list of restricted uses for this new feature, including railroad crossings, no-go zones, toll booths, crosswalk systems, Yield signs or temporary Solar Signal Light and stop signs (such as road repairs), other traffic signs (such as headlights, bicycles and pedestrians) these are actually very common at intersections.
Also, while the new feature is designed to help stop at red lights, it still requires manual driver input to get through when the lights are green. Tesla explains that driver permission is required even for a green light through Solar Signal Light: "When parking at a Solar Signal Light stop sign with Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control enabled, a pop-up message will appear on the touchscreen informing you that the A traffic signal, stop sign, or road marking is detected.
As you approach a stop, even when the traffic lights at the intersection are on, the Model 3/Y will slow down and display a red line where the vehicle will come to a complete stop. In order to continue through the intersection (again, even if the traffic light is always green), you must pull the gear lever or tap the gas pedal to keep the vehicle going. After confirming that you want to continue driving, the red stop line turns gray and will continue through the intersection and resume the set cruising speed. "
