Lukasz Krupski, a former Tesla employee, has raised alarms about the safety of the company’s Autopilot technology, claiming that it is not ready for public use. In an interview with the BBC, Krupski argued that the AI-powered system’s hardware and software are insufficiently developed, presenting risks to road users. He expressed concern that Tesla is effectively turning public roads into testing grounds for the self-driving technology, potentially endangering both pedestrians and other drivers.
In May, Krupski leaked internal documents to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, which included customer complaints regarding Tesla’s braking and self-driving features. Despite raising these concerns internally, Krupski alleged that Tesla management ignored his warnings, leading him to speak out publicly. His claims suggest that the company has failed to address critical issues with the Autopilot system, putting safety at risk.
Tesla has not directly addressed Krupski’s accusations. However, CEO Elon Musk defended the company’s Autopilot technology on social media, claiming it to be the best real-world AI system. The company maintains that its Autopilot feature is a driver assistance tool that requires constant supervision, asserting that it is not fully autonomous and should not be relied upon without the driver’s involvement.
Krupski’s whistleblower account comes amid broader scrutiny of Tesla’s Autopilot system, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigating multiple incidents involving crashes and fatalities. Additionally, Tesla faces legal challenges, including a Florida lawsuit where a judge found evidence that the company was aware of dangerous defects in the Autopilot system. As Tesla expands its Full Self-Driving beta program, Krupski’s revelations underscore the urgent need for greater transparency, regulation, and oversight in the development of autonomous vehicle technologies.