‘Autopilot Cheat’ Device Under Fire From NHTSA

The NHTSA has issued a cease and desist letter to the makers of ‘Autopilot Buddy’, a device which allows Tesla drivers to use Autopilot hands free

As has been pointed out again and again, Level 2 ‘semi-autonomous’ systems simply cannot be left to their own devices. They’re assistance systems, and misusing them can lead to accidents.

And yet we continually see conspicuously stupid displays from people acting like self-driving cars are actually here, putting a dangerous amount of faith in what’s essentially a very smart form of cruise control. Just look at the guy who was recently banned from driving after shuffling over to the passenger seat of his Model S and letting Autopilot do the work.

In fact, a company has even made devices that trick the Model 3, S and X into thinking a hand is on the wheel when it isn’t. Dubbed “Autopilot Buddy”, it’s pitched as a “nag reduction device”. Yep, the warning that reminds drivers to remain in control of their vehicles is known as a “nag” within the Tesla community. Face, meet palm.

‘Autopilot Cheat’ Device Under Fire From NHTSA

The product clips onto the steering wheel and simulates the light torque input of a human hand, stopping any warnings that might have otherwise been issued to the driver. The company behind the device claims that it “is not intended to be a hands-off device” and predictably insists it is “designed for closed track use only,” although we’re struggling to imagine a situation in which you’d use it on a circuit.

Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA thinks Autopilot Buddy is a bad idea, with the organisation issuing a cease and desist letter to the firm. The company says on its website that it is “not currently taking orders within the United States”. In a statement made to Autoblog, Tesla said: “We support NHTSA’s action regarding this product”.

UPDATE: the product is now listed as “discontinued” on the company’s website.

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Comments

LeetPandaz

“Closed track use” ya, because i want to go to a track day but have the car drive me around.

06/21/2018 - 18:02 |
228 | 0

A nice little tour of the track, ya know? 😂

06/21/2018 - 19:07 |
58 | 0
Anonymous

Wait, I am confused… Aren’t we supposed to be blaming Elon Musk?

06/21/2018 - 18:04 |
92 | 8
HAYABUSA

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Tesla consistently stresses the unequivocal necessity of human oversight and control whenever using Autopilot. What exactly here confuses you ?

06/21/2018 - 19:09 |
32 | 2
TheStigsAmerican Cousin

Its a smart solution to a stupid problem people think they have. These cars aren’t designed to be fully self driving your hand is left on for your safety. Its like having a gun and putting a rubber band around the safety to always be on fire.

06/21/2018 - 18:06 |
52 | 2

its more like putting a rubber band around the trigger without saftey :D

06/21/2018 - 22:08 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

Damn people are lazy nowadays

06/21/2018 - 18:07 |
20 | 2
Anonymous

Face,meet palm

06/21/2018 - 18:14 |
22 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Best facepalm pic ever!

06/21/2018 - 22:06 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

They actually made a video for this. How stupid can a person get. 🤣

06/21/2018 - 18:50 |
4 | 0
Dude

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Video to confusing. Got d*ck stuck in ash tray.

06/22/2018 - 07:15 |
6 | 0
Slyline guy 09

Cheat code unlocked ‘’free pass’’

06/21/2018 - 19:15 |
6 | 0
William 13

Why buy that expensive thing when you can buy an orange?

06/21/2018 - 19:21 |
88 | 0
06/21/2018 - 21:09 |
58 | 0

Imagine if you kill yourself or someone else and the explanation is ‘’I put an orange on the steering wheel to confuse the autopilot sensor’’.

06/23/2018 - 16:48 |
2 | 0
dmackster1124

Autopilot must be better at beating track records than staying inside the lanes

06/21/2018 - 20:06 |
4 | 0
Anonymous

[DELETED]

06/21/2018 - 20:25 |
0 | 0