Mark Rober’s Tesla Autopilot Test Raises Questions About Methodology and Bias

The viral video highlights Tesla Autopilot’s limitations but faces criticism for using outdated technology and alleged favoritism toward LiDAR.

Mark Rober’s video compares Tesla’s Autopilot system with a LiDAR-equipped vehicle, showing Tesla’s struggles in fog, rain, and a painted wall test.
Critics argue Rober used Tesla’s older Autopilot system rather than its more advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, undermining the test’s relevance to Tesla’s current capabilities.
The video has drawn accusations of bias, with some viewers suggesting undisclosed promotion of Luminar, the LiDAR company featured in the tests.
Rober released raw footage to address claims of manipulation, but questions remain about Autopilot disengaging seconds before the foam wall crash.
The controversy has reignited debates over Tesla’s camera-only approach to autonomy versus the industry-standard use of LiDAR and other sensors.