Tesla's journey toward achieving full self-driving capabilities has faced significant challenges. The rollout of Smart Summon took nearly a year, and with 2019 coming to a close, time is running out to reach the goal of full autonomy on city streets. However, recent developments suggest that Tesla may be accelerating its efforts.
According to CNBC, Tesla is in the process of acquiring DeepScale, a startup known for its innovative AI vision technology tailored for low-power, low-memory chips commonly used in vehicles. Although the deal has not been officially confirmed, indications point to a significant shift in Tesla's approach. DeepScale's founder, Forrest Iandola, announced on LinkedIn that he has joined Tesla's Autopilot team, focusing on advancements in autonomous driving.
Sources from CNBC reported that Tesla has acquired DeepScale outright. This acquisition aligns with Elon Musk's vision of relying on cameras for self-driving capabilities, in contrast to the bulky LiDAR systems preferred by many competitors. For Tesla to realize this vision, its self-driving AI must effectively identify diverse road objects, even in challenging conditions. Bringing DeepScale on board could be a pivotal step toward achieving this goal.