Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) Beta version 12 has been the subject of much anticipation, with CEO Elon Musk touting it as a revolutionary update thanks to its switch to what he calls “end-to-end AI.” This new approach means Tesla’s FSD system is now controlled by a machine-learning algorithm that has been trained to recognize its environment and issue commands, rather than relying on a more traditional AI system with a limited number of hand-coded vehicle inputs.
Early reports from beta testers suggest that FSD v12 is indeed a significant improvement over its predecessor. Users have noted that the new version stops and accelerates more smoothly, navigates puddles and parking lots with ease, and is even capable of parking the car itself, albeit sometimes across two parking spaces.
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Tesla FSD V12.2.1 takes me into the parking lot, finds a few available spaces and parks safely. Mind you it took two parking spaces but that’s a huge improvement. I’m confident the Tesla AI team will correct this with ease. pic.twitter.com/giUk5PgQn8
— Miss Jilianne (@MissJilianne) February 23, 2024
One beta tester, @MissJilianne, shared her experiences with the FSD v12.2.1 update, praising its ability to handle complex interactions such as pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk and merging onto busy streets more fluidly than before. Similarly, another Tesla enthusiast, AI DRIVR, demonstrated the FSD system’s improved performance in navigating parking lots and executing U-turns smoothly and confidently.
However, FSD v12 is not without its flaws. Some testers have reported odd behavior when the car doesn’t have any other traffic or road markings to reference, with the vehicle sporadically gaining and losing speed on open roads. Additionally, the software seems to struggle in vacant, unmarked parking lots, exhibiting chaotic steering behavior as it searches for visual cues to make decisions.
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Overall, while FSD beta v12 represents a significant step forward for Tesla’s self-driving technology, there are still areas for improvement. The new system’s ability to handle various driving scenarios with more confidence and predictability is promising, but it remains a work in progress as Tesla continues to refine and enhance its autonomous driving capabilities.
