What Cars Have Full Self Driving

So, you're ready to dive into the world of full self-driving (FSD) cars, huh? It's a complex landscape, but understanding which vehicles actually offer the capability and how their systems work is crucial, whether you're planning future upgrades, considering repairs, or simply want to impress your friends at the next car meet. Forget the marketing hype; we're talking about real-world capabilities and the nitty-gritty details of the systems involved.

What Cars *Claim* to Have Full Self-Driving

Let's start by clarifying something important: there isn't a single car on the market *today* that truly offers 100% "full" self-driving. What automakers market as "full self-driving" are actually advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) pushing the boundaries of Level 2 and, in some cases, attempting Level 3 autonomy as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These systems still require active driver supervision.

With that caveat in mind, the most prominent contenders are:

• Tesla (with Full Self-Driving Beta): This is probably the most talked about system. It uses a vision-based system called Tesla Vision, relying on cameras and neural networks, and lacks radar or lidar in newer models. It aims for complete autonomy, but it's still very much a beta program requiring constant driver attention.
• Mercedes-Benz (Drive Pilot): Mercedes-Benz currently offers a conditionally automated driving system (Level 3) in specific geographic areas and under limited conditions (e.g., highway driving below a certain speed). It uses a combination of lidar, radar, cameras, and high-definition maps.
• BMW (Personal Pilot L3): Similar to Mercedes, BMW is rolling out a Level 3 system, initially in Germany. It also depends on a suite of sensors, including lidar.
• GM Cruise (Origin): While not a commercially available consumer vehicle, GM's Cruise Origin is a purpose-built, fully autonomous vehicle designed for ride-hailing. It operates in limited, geofenced areas.

Other manufacturers like Volvo, Ford, and Hyundai are developing advanced ADAS features that are steadily progressing towards higher levels of autonomy, but are not yet considered full self-driving, even by the most generous definition.

Key Specs and Main Parts of an FSD System

At its core, a "full" self-driving system is a sophisticated network of sensors, computers, and actuators working in concert. Here's a breakdown of the crucial components:

• Sensors:
  • Cameras: These are the "eyes" of the system, capturing images of the surroundings. Tesla heavily relies on cameras, while others use them in conjunction with other sensors. These often are multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view.
  • Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging): Radar emits radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and speed, even in adverse weather conditions. It's less precise than lidar but has longer range.
  • Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging): Lidar uses lasers to create a detailed 3D map of the environment. It provides high-resolution data but can be affected by rain, snow, and fog.
  • Ultrasonic Sensors: These are used for short-range detection, primarily for parking assistance and obstacle detection at low speeds.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU) / AI Computer: This is the "brain" of the system, processing data from the sensors, running algorithms, and making decisions. The power of this computer is critical.Tesla's "Full Self-Driving Computer" is a custom-designed AI chip.
• Software and Algorithms: This is where the magic happens. Sophisticated algorithms, often based on deep learning and neural networks, interpret sensor data, predict the behavior of other vehicles and pedestrians, plan routes, and control the vehicle. Path planning and behavior prediction are very important.
• Actuators: These components physically control the vehicle, including:
  • Steering System: Electrically assisted power steering (EPS) allows the system to control the steering wheel.
  • Braking System: Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are essential for safe autonomous braking.
  • Throttle Control: Electronic throttle control allows the system to regulate the engine's power output.
• High-Definition (HD) Maps: Detailed maps provide the system with prior knowledge of the road network, lane markings, traffic signs, and other important information. These maps are often updated via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
• Redundant Systems: To ensure safety, FSD systems often have redundant components. For example, multiple ECUs or redundant power supplies for braking.

How It Works: A Simplified Overview

The FSD system operates in a continuous loop:

1. Sensing: The sensors collect data about the environment.
2. Perception: The software analyzes the sensor data to identify objects, determine their position and velocity, and create a model of the surrounding world.
3. Planning: The system uses this model, along with HD maps and pre-programmed rules, to plan a safe and efficient route.
4. Control: The system sends commands to the actuators to control the steering, throttle, and brakes.
5. Monitoring: The system continuously monitors its performance and adapts its behavior as needed.

Real-World Use and Basic Troubleshooting

Even the most advanced FSD systems are not perfect. Here are a few common issues and basic troubleshooting tips:

• Erratic Behavior: If the system behaves erratically (e.g., sudden braking, unexpected lane changes), disengage it immediately and take manual control. Report the incident to the manufacturer.
• Sensor Obstruction: Ensure that sensors (cameras, radar, lidar) are clean and free from obstructions (e.g., snow, ice, dirt).
• Map Errors: If the system is behaving strangely in a specific location, it may be due to outdated or inaccurate map data. Report the issue to the map provider.
• Software Updates: Keep the system's software up to date to receive the latest improvements and bug fixes.
• System Failures: If the FSD system fails completely, you should receive a warning message. Pull over safely and contact the manufacturer's support team.

Safety: Handle with Care

FSD systems are incredibly complex, and some components carry significant risks:

• High-Voltage Systems: Electric vehicles, which are often the first to adopt advanced FSD, contain high-voltage batteries and wiring. Never attempt to repair or modify these systems without proper training and equipment. Improper handling can be lethal.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) Sensors: Manipulating, moving, or disconnecting ADAS sensors (cameras, radar, lidar) can cause unintended behavior of the vehicle, and can lead to vehicle collisions.
• Braking and Steering Systems: Modifications to the braking or steering systems can compromise the vehicle's safety and void the warranty. Work on these systems should be performed by qualified technicians.
• Always remain attentive and ready to take over control of the vehicle.

Remember, these systems are still under development and require constant driver supervision. Complacency is the enemy.

Accessing the Diagram

Analyzing the architecture of an FSD system requires detailed schematics and diagrams. While manufacturers typically don't release these diagrams publicly, we have access to a detailed block diagram showcasing the interconnections between the various modules in a generic advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). This diagram includes information on sensors, processing units, actuators, and communication protocols. You can download the diagram for closer study.