Mark Rober’s Tesla Test Highlights Gaps in Camera-Only Autonomy

The viral video contrasts Tesla's camera-based system with LiDAR, reigniting debates over autonomous vehicle safety and technology choices.

Mark Rober's video shows Tesla's Autopilot system failing to detect obstacles in fog, rain, and a fake wall designed to resemble a road, while a LiDAR-equipped vehicle performed successfully.
The test used Tesla's older Autopilot system rather than its latest Full Self-Driving software, leading some critics to question the test's relevance.
Elon Musk has long defended Tesla's camera-only approach, calling LiDAR unnecessary, while most industry leaders use LiDAR alongside other sensors for reliability.
The video has amassed over 10 million views in two days, bringing renewed attention to safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny surrounding Tesla's driver-assistance systems.
Luminar, the LiDAR company involved in the test, saw a significant stock surge following the video's release, reflecting growing interest in its technology.