A series of tests involving a Model 3 whose owner is part of Tesla’s early access program has provided a preview of some upcoming features that are expected to be rolled out in the near future. Apart from some UI updates, the early access Model 3 was loaded with a number of yet-to-be-released Summon features, which will be part of the company’s Full Self-Driving suite.
Immediately noticeable from the early access Model 3 were updates to its UI. The vehicle on the left side of the center display was larger and more detailed, and it featured some cool animation when the vehicle is shifting from Drive to Park. The vehicle’s avatar on the screen also zooms out noticeably when the electric sedan is traveling on a multi-lane road. These updates are quite minor, but they do make the Model 3’s UI more interactive.
The early access Model 3 also featured some new Summon features, including the capability to avoid unexpected obstacles like pedestrians while it was being summoned. To test this, Kim, the YouTube channel’s host, opted to stand in the path of the electric sedan. The Model 3 promptly stopped as it detected the Like Tesla host, before performing several maneuvers in an attempt to drive around its unexpected obstacle. The Model 3 eventually reached the point where it was being summoned, but it took a considerable amount of time due to the vehicle’s very deliberate movements.
This became prominent in a parking lot test of the Enhanced Summon feature, which required the Model 3 to navigate through a crowded parking lot that’s complete with numerous vehicles moving about. Just like the previous test, the electric sedan was successfully summoned, though it took some time once more because of its limited speed despite the vehicle being within a 150 ft. radius from its operator.
It should be noted that the Summon capabilities showcased in the video are still a work in progress, and are still being tested with members of Tesla’s early access program. This is evident in the Model 3’s steering wheel movements while it was being summoned. Unlike an experienced driver that holds the steering wheel steadily while driving, Enhanced Summon continually performed adjustments to the vehicle’s steering in a manner akin to a neophyte driver. Nevertheless, it is almost certain that these features will be refined as the feature gets released.
Tesla’s Enhanced Summon, together with the company’s Navigate on Autopilot with unconfirmed lane changes, is part of the company’s Full Self-Driving suite. These Full Self-Driving features, as well as a number of unreleased capabilities for Autopilot and FSD, are set to be announced and demonstrated in the upcoming Autonomy Investor Day on April 22. Tesla will discuss its roadmap for its full self-driving features in the event, and provide investors with a deep dive into the company’s FSD strategy.
The Autonomy Investor Day will include updates from several of Tesla’s key executives that are actively involved in the development of autonomous software and hardware, including CEO Elon Musk, VP of Engineering Stuart Bowers, VP of Hardware Engineering Pete Bannon, and Sr. Director of AI Andrej Karpathy. Test rides in vehicles loaded with unreleased versions of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving will be offered as well.
Watch Like Tesla‘s demo of some of Tesla’s upcoming Summon updates in the video below.
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