Tesla reportedly hints at introducing self-driving cars with rotating seats that could face rearward in accordance with recent communication sent to regulatory bodies.
The advent of self-driving vehicles is poised to revolutionize the realm of car design, unlocking novel possibilities for innovation.
Currently, they’re primarily built upon existing vehicles designed for human drivers, featuring steering columns and pedal controls. As autonomous vehicles become the norm in the future, opportunities arise for innovative designs that no longer necessitate human backup drivers.
Regulators are currently assessing whether and how to regulate this aspect of the industry to ensure adequate security measures are in place. Australia’s regulatory authorities sought input from industry stakeholders, to which Tesla promptly replied.
When queried about whether vehicles with “advanced driver-assistance systems” (ADAS) featuring “larger ranges of driving automation” and also incorporating “hand-operated driving controls” should have specific requirements regarding seating position when ADAS is activated, Tesla responded:
Notably, omitting certain aspects might have a detrimental impact on purpose-designed securities or comforts. When a fully autonomous driving system (ADS) reaches Stage 4, it enables occupants to thoroughly recline their seats and even take a nap. While operating a vehicle with sole responsibility, it is crucial to wear seatbelts in compliance with instructions from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADS) or otherwise dictated by circumstances.
Tesla discussed its innovative seating system featuring rotating chairs.
Supplemented with robust security protocols, innovative car designs can accommodate entirely reclined or pivotable seats, or even those without forward-facing positions, allowing for potential seat configurations such as central-only seating in heavy-duty vehicles.
While caution is advised in interpreting Tesla’s intentions, the company may be seeking to limit regulations to protect its future ambitions while simultaneously providing insight into its plans for forthcoming products.
The obvious nod to Tesla’s unveiled Semi underscores the “heart seating place” for heavy-duty vehicles, revealing a striking similarity in design.
Could it be that we’re about to witness the unveiling of a revolutionary new feature in the Tesla Robotaxi on October 10, including potentially game-changing, rotating lie-flat seats?
