Tesla Inc has filed a patent for an automated sanitization system designed for its upcoming self-driving cars intended for a ride-hailing service, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
The patent, titled ‘Controlling environmental conditions in enclosed spaces,’ addresses concerns over hygiene in shared transportation spaces, a critical aspect as Tesla prepares to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service. The company highlighted in its patent filing that while shared vehicles offer cost and environmental advantages, they also pose risks of disease transmission through contaminated surfaces and air.
Tesla’s solution involves employing a variety of sensors, including image, acoustic, thermal, pressure, capacitive, radio frequency, and gas sensors, to monitor the vehicle’s environment. The patent outlines potential sanitization methods such as UV lights and a heating system to automatically disinfect surfaces inside the vehicle.
Furthermore, the patent suggests the possibility of the vehicle autonomously entering designated sanitization areas equipped with robots. In such scenarios, the vehicle could engage a ‘sanitization mode,’ which might involve adjusting seating positions or opening windows to facilitate sanitization processes.
Tesla’s initiative comes as it faces ongoing challenges in perfecting its self-driving technology, a prerequisite for its planned robotaxi service. CEO Elon Musk has expressed optimism about resolving these technical hurdles soon, paving the way for broader deployment of autonomous vehicles.
