Tesla's LiDAR Mystery! Is a Model X Sporting Lidar Technology Despite Its Denouncement?

A Tesla, Inc. TSLA Model X testing mule, spotted in Northern California ahead of the company’s Robotaxi event on October 10, was equipped with a LiDAR rig, despite Tesla’s stance that LiDAR is not needed for Full Self-Driving.

Tesla has adopted a Vision-based approach for its electric vehicles, eliminating LiDAR and even ultrasonic sensors, Teslarati reported.

The company relies solely on exterior cameras for its Full Self-Driving suite, with CEO Elon Musk emphasizing that no additional technology is needed for success in this area.

Also Read: Xpeng Follows Tesla’s Lead? Reportedly Ditches LiDAR In New Model F57 For Pure Vision Driving

At Tesla Autonomy Day in 2019, Musk said, “LiDAR is a fool’s errand. And anyone relying on LiDAR is doomed,” Teslarati added.

Earlier this year, Musk stated that Tesla no longer requires LiDAR for ground truth data.

It seems Tesla is still using LiDAR for data collection or possibly for vision validation. Teslarati noted that images show a Model X Engineering Vehicle equipped with LiDAR spotted in Northern California.

Earlier, this LiDAR rig had been observed on various Tesla vehicles, including a Model Y in Palm Beach in 2021.

Tesla is scheduled to reveal its Robotaxi on October 10, following a delay from August 8. The postponement was due to necessary revisions, including changes to the front-end design and additional time to showcase other features.

Price Action: TSLA shares are trading lower by 2.76% to $203.45 at last check Wednesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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