BMW tests next-gen LiDAR to beat Tesla to Level 3 self-driving cars

L4sBot@lemmy.worldmod to Technology@lemmy.world – 369 points –
BMW tests next-gen LiDAR to beat Tesla to Level 3 self-driving cars
zdnet.com

BMW tests next-gen LiDAR to beat Tesla to Level 3 self-driving cars::Tesla's autonomous vehicle tech has been perennially stuck at Level 2 self-driving, as BMW and other rivals try to leapfrog to Level 3.

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Almost certainly.

But self-driving also depends on up-to-date mapping data and continually improved algorithms for the autonomous systems to work properly. An ongoing cost to the customer makes the most sense for a service that has operating costs to the service provider.

I mean, does it? Presumably the idea (that Tesla had anyway) is to try and mimic what humans do, and we don't need mapping data to drive "safely" (for a given value of safe). Of course, humans also get lost, but again, the GPS updates is basically free at this point for the mapping help humans need. (Garmin stopped charging yearly long ago, Open Maps and Google Maps and Wayze all are "free").

In the interest of competition, I am very happy that Tesla chose a different path. Self driving is not guaranteed to ever work so we need to try things until at least one works

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Only if they're giving the hardware away with the car. Tesla is charging ~$15k upfront for FSD. It would be absurd to tack a monthly fee on top of that.

Why do you think you should get stuff for free?

Hardware has a cost. Running a service has a cost. Providing updates has a cost. If you don’t think you should be responsible for the costs of the things you use, you’re going to be disappointed pretty often. Venture-capital funded startups can only give away free shit for so long before they have to start giving returns

No kidding it has a cost, as we're discussing the cost of it here if you're not aware. There's quite a range between 'free' and $15k + $299 a month. You know what else has a cost? The car itself when you purchase it.

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