Tesla Motors Co. Chief Executive Elon Musk said Sunday the automaker is updating its semi-autonomous driving system Autopilot with new limits on hands-off driving that likely would have prevented a fatality in May.
Musk said the update, which will be available within a week or two through an "over-the-air" software update, will rely foremost on radar to give Tesla's electric luxury cars a better sense of what is around them and when to brake.
New restrictions of Autopilot 8.0 are a nod to widespread concerns that autopilot lulled users into a false sense of security through its "hands-off" driving. The updated system now will temporarily prevent drivers from using the system if they fail to respond to audible warnings to take back control of the car.