Tesla launches Autopilot update

Tesla's Model S and Model took a huge leap with their autopilot update. The version 7.0 of software comes with the autopilot.

Through the software, Model S and Model X can now automatically steer down the highway, change lanes, and adjust speed in response to traffic.

Autosteer, the main feature, is an advanced lane departure assist system. The car will automatically stay in a lane, slowing down as necessary to avoid traffic and steering around curves. The vehicle can even change lanes, though only when prompted by the driver hitting the turn signal and when the car detects the way is clear.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said that users adopting the software should exercise caution while using it. The system seemingly lets you go hands-off for as long as you want.

"It should not hit pedestrians, hopefully," Musk told the media. "It should handle them well. The driver cannot abdicate responsibility. That will come at some point in the future."

Autosteer can smoothly and cleanly handle traffic and is able to come to a complete stop and resume speed without any driver intervention. It takes a huge amount of stress and pressure out of driving in traffic.

Tesla uses a combination of cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors and mapping data to determine its position and navigate.

Unlike Google, which is aiming for a fully-autonomous vehicle, Tesla's approach is to gradually introduce features which take away the need for drivers to carry out certain functions.

"Essentially it's like a person - how well can a person figure out what route they should take. Over time it will be better than a person." Musk said "It never gets tired, it's never had anything to drink, it's never arguing with someone in the car. It's not distracted."

Tesla owners should keep an eye out for a pop-up on their car's touchscreen display instructing them to update. The software update could take upwards of two hours to download.