Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made a bold claim about the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, suggesting that it could allow drivers to text while behind the wheel within the next couple of months. This statement, made during Tesla's annual shareholder meeting, has raised eyebrows and concerns about safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Points

• Musk believes Tesla vehicles with FSD could allow texting while driving in 1-2 months
• The capability is expected following the release of Version 14 self-driving update
• Texting while driving is currently illegal in 48 U.S. states
• Tesla's manual warns against using handheld devices with Autopilot features

Regulatory Landscape

The announcement comes against a backdrop of strict regulations regarding distracted driving:

Current Tesla Requirements

Despite advancements in self-driving technology, Tesla currently mandates that drivers:

• Remain attentive even in self-driving mode
• Keep eyes on the road
• Maintain hands on the steering wheel

Industry Context

Tesla's ambitious plans stand in contrast to the current state of autonomous driving in the U.S.:

• Mercedes-Benz is the only automaker permitted to sell autonomous vehicles allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road
• This permission is limited to specific areas in California and Nevada

Regulatory Hurdles

For Tesla to implement the texting while driving functionality:

• The company would need to secure regulatory approval
• This may involve demonstrating the safety and reliability of the FSD system
• Potential changes to existing traffic laws might be necessary

Implications and Concerns

While Musk's announcement signals confidence in Tesla's FSD capabilities, it raises several concerns:

1. Safety: The potential risks of allowing drivers to divert attention from the road, even with advanced autonomous systems.
2. Legal Compliance: How Tesla plans to navigate the current legal landscape where texting while driving is largely prohibited.
3. Liability: Questions about who would be responsible in case of accidents involving a texting driver using FSD.
4. Public Perception: How this move might impact public trust in autonomous driving technologies.

As Tesla moves forward with its FSD development, the company will likely face scrutiny from regulators, safety advocates, and the public. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Musk's vision for hands-off driving can become a reality within the existing regulatory framework.

Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company, may be venturing into chip manufacturing to support its ambitious autonomous driving and robotics programs, according to recent statements by CEO Elon Musk.

Potential 'Tesla Terafab' on the Horizon

At Tesla's annual meeting, Musk indicated that the company might need to construct its own chip fabrication plant, potentially dubbed a 'Tesla terafab.' This move is being considered due to the anticipated high volume of custom AI chips required for Tesla's future projects, which Musk believes may exceed the capacity of external suppliers even under best-case scenarios.

AI Chip Development Roadmap

Tesla is currently working on its fifth-generation AI chip, known as AI5. The company has plans for high-volume production of this chip, expected to commence around 2027. The chip is set to be manufactured by industry giants Samsung and TSMC. Tesla has already laid out plans for subsequent generations, including AI6 and AI7.

Collaboration and Future Plans

Musk mentioned the possibility of collaborating with Intel for foundry services, indicating Tesla's openness to partnerships in this high-tech endeavor. However, the primary focus appears to be on ensuring sufficient chip volume for Tesla's autonomous driving programs and its Optimus robotics division.

Implications for Tesla's Future

This potential move into chip manufacturing underscores Tesla's commitment to vertical integration and its focus on advancing AI technology. By controlling the production of these crucial components, Tesla aims to secure its supply chain and potentially gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving fields of autonomous driving and robotics.

As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of technology in the automotive and AI sectors, this strategic consideration to enter chip manufacturing could have significant implications for the company's future growth and innovation capabilities.