Lecture Summary: Testing Tesla's Autopilot and LiDAR Technology

Introduction

• Objective: Test if Tesla's autopilot can be tricked by a painted wall and compare Tesla's camera-based navigation with LiDAR technology used in other cars.
• Background: Tesla relies on simple cameras for navigation, unlike other cars using advanced tech like LiDAR.

Experiment Background

• Author attempted a personal mission involving mapping the Space Mountain ride secretly using LiDAR technology.
• Operation Details:
  • Purpose: Map the Space Mountain ride in complete darkness.
  • Tools: Portable LiDAR scanner hidden in an oversized jacket.
  • Challenges: Getting through Disney security and executing the plan without getting caught.

LiDAR Technology

• Definition: LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging, uses lasers to map surroundings.
• Functionality:
  • Emits 640,000 laser pulses/second.
  • Measures time taken for laser to return, calculates object distance.
  • Can handle rapid pulse emissions due to the speed of light.
• Applications:
  • Used in archaeology, phone face recognition, and advanced car navigation.

Autopilot vs. LiDAR Tests

Test Setup

• Objective: Compare Tesla's camera system to LiDAR in various scenarios.
• Scenarios:
  1. Child on the Road: Test braking response.
  2. Child Dashing from Behind a Car: Test rapid detection and stopping.
  3. Fog Test: Assess vision in low visibility.
  4. Rain Test: Evaluate performance in wet conditions.
  5. Bright Lights Test: Check response to blinding light.
  6. Painted Wall Test: Test against fake visuals.

Results

• LiDAR:
  • Performed well in all scenarios.
  • Superior in fog and rain conditions.
• Tesla Autopilot:
  • Failed to stop in painted wall test.
  • Struggled in fog and rain but performed reasonably in standard conditions.

Conclusion

• LiDAR is more reliable than Tesla’s camera system in diverse conditions.
• Autopilot systems need improvement for non-standard scenarios.
• Mapping Success: 3D model of Space Mountain successfully created.

Other Information

• CrunchLabs Hack Pack:
  • Series of programmable robots designed to teach engineering skills.
  • Opportunities for free college tuition for winners.
• Encouragement: Promotes innovation and engineering as a fulfilling career and hobby.