Tesla has disclosed that the Cybertruck’s front trunk, or ‘frunk,’ incorporates a ‘learning algorithm,’ shedding light on the reasons behind some of the inconsistent results observed in finger-pinching tests.
Concerns have been raised regarding the sharp corners of the Cybertruck posing a potential hazard for users and pedestrians.
The Cybertruck has garnered attention through numerous videos showing individuals using the frunk to cut vegetables and fruits.
In a recent update, Tesla has improved the frunk’s object detection system. According to the automaker’s release notes:
“The powered frunk can better detect obstructions just before it finishes closing.”
Cybertruck owners who received the update and conducted tests have reported varying outcomes:
Wes Morrill, the lead engineer for the Cybertruck, commented on a video revealing the use of a learning algorithm in the frunk’s pinch detection system:
“Frunk pinch detection is a learning algorithm which will increase the closing force each time it’s cycled back to back without successfully latching.”
Frunk pinch detection is a learning algorithm which will increase the closing force each time it's cycled back to back without successfully latching.
Imagine there is a big bag inside the frunk it might also trigger the pinch detection. Then you might try closing it again, and…
— Wes (@wmorrill3) May 2, 2024
This mechanism could explain why repeated tests yield inconsistent results.
Morrill provided an example to illustrate the system:
“Imagine there is a big bag inside the frunk; it might also trigger the pinch detection. Then you might try closing it again, and again… exactly as you are doing in this video. The algorithm assumes that if you are repeatedly trying to close the frunk, it’s because you, as the human in the loop, know better and believe it should close.”
