Tech & Autonomous

The Tech & Autonomous category focuses on automotive technology, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving features, vehicle software and connectivity. Here you will find news about over-the-air updates, sensor and camera systems, AI-based driving functions and how software is changing the modern car.

Tesla FSD v14.2.1: Speed Profiles Tinkering Backfires?
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla FSD v14.2.1: Speed Profiles Tinkering Backfires?

Tesla's recent Full Self-Driving (FSD) update, version 14.2.1, introduces significant changes to the Speed Profiles feature that have raised eyebrows among seasoned drivers and automotive enthusiasts alike. While the new system aims to enhance safety and efficiency on the road, it appears that some of these modifications may be too restrictive in real-world scenarios.Key TakeawaysThe latest FSD update limits speed profiles to fixed increments, causing abrupt braking when switching between settings.Traffic adaptability is reduced as the system adheres strictly to preset speeds rather than real-time traffic conditions.Drivers report a noticeable gap in performance between adjacent speed profiles, leading to less smooth transitions and potentially unsafe driving behaviors.The primary complain...
Preventive Maintenance for Autonomous Vehicle Sensors: Ensuring Safety
Guides & Maintenance, News, Tech & Autonomous

Preventive Maintenance for Autonomous Vehicle Sensors: Ensuring Safety

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) rely heavily on a suite of sensors to navigate and make decisions safely. These sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, and radar, must be meticulously maintained to ensure they function correctly under all conditions. A failure in any part of the sensor system can lead to critical errors, compromising vehicle safety.Key TakeawaysMaintenance of AV sensors is crucial for preventing data inaccuracies that could result in dangerous driving situations.Routine cleaning and inspection are essential practices to ensure the longevity and reliability of sensor systems.The impact of weather conditions on sensor performance highlights the need for robust maintenance protocols.LiDAR, a critical component of AVs, uses laser technology to create detailed 3D maps of the environment. ...
Horiba Mira and Tier IV Team Up for Autonomous Bus Project in Europe
News, Tech & Autonomous

Horiba Mira and Tier IV Team Up for Autonomous Bus Project in Europe

Horiba Mira, a leading automotive engineering consultancy with extensive experience in vehicle testing and development, has joined forces with Tier IV to advance autonomous driving technology in the UK and Europe. The partnership will see Horiba Mira providing its world-class facilities and engineering expertise for safety validation and regulatory compliance, while Tier IV supplies its cutting-edge Level 4-compliant Minibus 2.0 and sensor suite.Key TakeawaysThe collaboration aims to deploy an autonomous bus project at Horiba Mira’s proving ground in the UK, targeting Level 4 operation.Tier IV will leverage Horiba Mira's engineering and testing expertise to localize its technology for European environments.Horiba Mira has made significant investments in autonomous vehicle technologies over...
Tesla’s FSD Testing Expands in Spain: A Major Milestone for Autonomous Driving
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s FSD Testing Expands in Spain: A Major Milestone for Autonomous Driving

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) program is making significant strides across Europe, with Spain emerging as a key testing ground. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), the Spanish traffic authority, has launched an ES-AV framework to standardize and regulate automated vehicle testing in the country.Key TakeawaysTesla is actively testing FSD cars across Spain under a new legal framework.The ES-AV program allows for nationwide testing of autonomous vehicles at various technological maturity stages.Spain aims to become a leader in automated vehicle technology through this initiative.This expansion comes as part of the DGT’s ES-AV Program, which was introduced in July 2025. The program is designed to support innovation and advancement in automotive technology while ensuring safety standards ...
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology Finds No Takers Among Automakers
Guides & Maintenance, News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology Finds No Takers Among Automakers

Electric vehicle enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the day when Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology would be available to other automakers. However, despite repeated offers from Elon Musk to license FSD, major car manufacturers seem uninterested in adopting this advanced system.Key TakeawaysTesla has not successfully licensed its Full Self-Driving technology to any other automaker.Ford was initially tipped as a potential licensee but ultimately did not enter into an agreement with Tesla.Musk's offers to license FSD have been on the table for about five years, yet no deal has materialized.Elon Musk first hinted at the possibility of licensing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology around 2021. Since then, he has repeatedly mentioned that other automakers could benefit from adoptin...
Tesla FSD Supervised Ride-Alongs Begin in Europe
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla FSD Supervised Ride-Alongs Begin in Europe

Tesla has launched a new program that lets people ride along as passengers to see how the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology handles real-world driving conditions. The initiative, called 'Supervised' rides, is now available in Italy, France, and Germany.Key TakeawaysTesla FSD Supervised ride-alongs are launching in three European countries: Italy, France, and Germany.The program allows non-driving observers to experience how the technology navigates urban streets firsthand.Participants can sign up for free slots through December 2025 to witness FSD handling traffic and stressful driving scenarios.In a recent announcement on X, Tesla Europe & Middle East invited potential riders to “ride along in the passenger seat to experience how it handles real-world traffic and the most s...
Haomo.AI Self-Driving Startup Shuts Down Suddenly, Leaving Employees in the Dark
News, Tech & Autonomous

Haomo.AI Self-Driving Startup Shuts Down Suddenly, Leaving Employees in the Dark

The sudden closure of Haomo.AI, Great Wall Motor's self-driving technology subsidiary, has left its employees and industry observers shocked and concerned. The company abruptly halted operations without providing clear explanations or compensation to staff.Key TakeawaysThe abrupt shutdown of Haomo.AI leaves hundreds of employees uncertain about their future and unpaid wages.No formal announcement was made, leaving the fate of the company unclear as to whether it's a temporary suspension or complete dissolution.The collapse highlights challenges in converting self-driving technology into commercial success for automotive startups.Haomo.AI, once a promising startup with a valuation exceeding $1 billion, was spun off from Great Wall Motor (GWM) in 2019. The company's core product, the HPilot ...
Uber Launches Fully Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi with WeRide
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Uber Launches Fully Driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi with WeRide

Uber has launched the first fully driverless robotaxi service outside the United States, offering Level 4 autonomous rides on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Passengers can book these vehicles through UberX and Uber Comfort as well as a new “Autonomous” category.Key TakeawaysThe launch was supported by the world’s first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit outside of the US, issued to WeRide and Uber in Abu Dhabi.WeRide-operated vehicles can now be booked via UberX, Uber Comfort, and a new “Autonomous” category.The service is part of a wider plan by WeRide and Uber to expand their autonomous vehicle footprint across the Middle East over the next few years.Uber’s partnership with Chinese self-driving specialist WeRide began in December 2024, expanding to cover half of Abu Dhabi's main urban...
Mercedes-Benz and Momenta Launch Advanced ADAS on Electric CLA in China
Industry & Business, News, Tech & Autonomous

Mercedes-Benz and Momenta Launch Advanced ADAS on Electric CLA in China

Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce a next-generation intelligent driver assistance system (ADAS) co-developed with autonomous driving specialist Momenta, marking a significant milestone for the brand's technological advancements. This collaboration follows Mercedes-Benz’s strategic investment in Momenta back in 2017, making it the first global automaker to support this Chinese AI-driven mobility company.The new ADAS will debut on the locally built all-new electric CLA model, offering enhanced driver assistance features tailored specifically for China's unique traffic patterns and road conditions. This system aims to provide comprehensive support across various driving scenarios, including highways, city streets, and end-to-end parking functionalities.Engineering teams from both Germany and ...
Tesla’s FSD May Arrive in Europe by 2026
News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla’s FSD May Arrive in Europe by 2026

Tesla has announced that the Dutch authority RDW has agreed to grant approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) features in the Netherlands by February 2026. This development could pave the way for Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system to be offered across Europe, pending regulatory compliance.The company’s European division stated that they are working closely with RDW to gain an exemption under Article 39 of EU law for FSD Supervised, a version where drivers remain fully responsible and supervisory. This process involves proving adherence to existing regulations while also seeking exemptions for behaviors not yet covered by legislation.RDW confirmed the timeline but emphasized that Tesla must prove compliance with requirements by February 2026. The authority’s statement clarifies the p...