A Mysterious Model 3
Sparks Curiosity with Its Unique Features
What is Next Innovation?
A photo of a Tesla Model 3-based vehicle moving with cameras installed was discovered in Northern California, US, and garnered attention. People were curious about the absence of side mirrors and the cameras attached to various places, including the front bumper and trunk lid.
This can be easily inferred by connecting it with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s remarks. At the general shareholders’ meeting in June, Musk announced that he plans to launch robotaxi, a self-driving taxi. Additionally, a post was posted on social media mentioning similar content and saying that robotaxi would be introduced on August 8. Just a month before launch, why is Tesla driving a Model 3-based vehicle equipped with cameras for performance testing?
Why So Many Cameras?
It’s All About Self-Driving
The Tesla Model 3-based vehicle captured this time was equipped with cameras in the front bumper, trunk lid, second-row windows, and side repeaters. It is also noticeable that no separate side mirrors were attached. This is presumed to be a way to utilize the self-driving function, one of the key technologies that will enable robotaxi to operate. For the self-driving function, one of the key technologies that will enable robotaxi to operate, cameras were placed in several locations to accurately perceive the road environment as if a person sees it.
The Tesla Model 3 is currently being sold and has cameras on the side repeaters and rear bumper. However, it is different because it is built into the vehicle body. This is a compromise for concerns that the external appeal would be halved if exposed to the outside. Since robotaxi is focused on performance, the placement of cameras has become much more flexible.
Is the Robo-Taxi Nearing Completion?
Key Technology Already Implemented
Tesla is serious about robotaxi. On July 2, 2024, they showed that they are making every effort by applying for a patent for the automatic disinfection system, one of the core robotaxi technologies. The cleanliness of the vehicle’s interior is also important for an unmanned taxi to pick up and drop off passengers smoothly.
The automatic disinfection system uses images, sounds, heat, etc., to determine the condition of the car’s interior and automatically sterilizes and disinfects after recognizing that there are no passengers. The interior is disinfected using ultraviolet rays, and the temperature inside the vehicle is raised to 55 degrees (131 degrees Fahrenheit) using a heater and maintained for 30 minutes to sterilize. Tesla aims to reduce consumers’ resistance to taxis without people through technology that can stably control the interior.
Supercar Brands Join the Challenge
Will They Compete with Tesla in the Market?
Meanwhile, Tesla is not the only manufacturer focusing on robotaxi. Recently, Croatian supercar manufacturer Rimac unveiled its unmanned robotaxi concept. The name is Verne, and it has received favorable reviews for its advanced self-driving technology and future-oriented design.
Rimac emphasizes simplicity and personalization. Passengers can fine-tune most aspects of the interior. Verne, designed for 1 to 2 passengers, was designed to provide maximum comfort to passengers to their destination. However, as a pilot launch is expected in 2026, attention is being paid to whether Tesla’s robotaxi, just a month away, can take the lead in the market.
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