#317: How The Tesla Autopilot Cannonball Run Record Was Broken
Oct 22, 2024
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Jay Roberts, a Cannonball Run record holder, discusses his unforgettable journey breaking the Autopilot record in just 43 hours using a Comma Three and a Toyota Prius. He simplifies complex driver-assistance technology for non-coders. The conversation explores the battle between automated and human-driven records, legal challenges faced on the road, and innovations in driver engagement systems. Jay reveals police reactions during his record-setting attempt, and they ponder the future of autonomous driving versus human skill, all wrapped in a thrilling narrative of speed and tech.
Jay Roberts' record-breaking Cannonball Run using Comma AI highlights the evolving synergy between human skill and advanced driving technology.
The importance of driver awareness remains critical in autonomous driving, emphasizing that technology should enhance, not replace, human engagement.
Deep dives
Innovations in Cannonball Records
Jay Roberts shares his journey in attempting to set a new Cannonball Run record using a 2017 Prius equipped with aKama AI driver assistance system. His fascination began with previous runs and his ultimate goal of completing the journey with minimal driver engagement. Through strategic modifications, including additional fuel tanks, he safely completed the race with an impressive 98.4% hands-off time, significantly surpassing earlier records held by others. This endeavor highlights the evolving relationship between technology and endurance driving, emphasizing how innovation can reshape traditional records.
Challenges and Safety Considerations
Jay discusses the complexities of maintaining driver attentiveness while utilizing advanced driver assistance systems, including the tests he conducted pre-run and details about the Kama AI unit's functionalities. He highlights that numerous interactions during their journey kept the crew engaged, particularly during challenging scenarios such as traffic congestion. A significant accident encountered on their route underscored the critical importance of driver awareness, showcasing the necessity for human judgment in navigating unforeseen obstacles. Such challenges reinforce concerns regarding the reliability and responsiveness of current autonomous driving technologies.
Driver Engagement and Autonomous Technology
The conversation delves into the balance between utilizing technology for convenience and ensuring driver engagement, revealing that effective technology should ideally enhance, rather than diminish, a driver's skills. Both Jay and the hosts emphasize that while technology is developing rapidly, it is vital that drivers remain vigilant and prepared for unexpected situations since even advanced systems have limitations. Techniques like listening to engaging content during lengthy drives were discussed as effective methods to maintain alertness. This dialogue underscores that effective integration of technology involves a cooperative relationship between human drivers and autonomous systems.
The Future of the Cannonball Run
Looking ahead, Jay envisions a future where hybrid and autonomous vehicles could redefine long-distance driving records, underscoring the necessity for automotive manufacturers to innovate continuously. Jay suggests that as advancements in self-driving technology progress, the potential for future records could be achieved by leveraging new systems in conjunction with the skills of experienced drivers. The essence of the Cannonball Run, characterized by meticulous preparation and skill, will remain crucial even as technology evolves. Ultimately, this event could pave the way for a new era of driving performance, blending human expertise with automated capabilities.
Is the future of the Cannonball Run human-driven or autonomous? George Hotz hasn't won self-driving yet, but Cannonballer Jay Roberts just used a Comma Three and a Toyota Pruis to shatter Alex Roy's 55 hour Autopilot record in 43 hours, 18 minutes. What's the difference between a semi-automated and driverless Cannonball record? Is Comma AI's technology better than Tesla's Full Self-Driving? What did the police think? Why are records being shattered in every category this year? Will Alex go again? All this and more on one of our most technology-packed episodes of all time!
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