Tesla's Big Bet In Court Regarding Autopilot Features, Losing To Abu

Tesla autopilot system. (Doc. Tesla)

JAKARTA - Tesla Inc will face trial for the first time over claims that failure of its Autopilot driver-assist feature led to death. This is a big test for tech claims by CEO Elon Musk.

Autonomous car (self-driving) capabilities are key to Tesla's financial future. Musk faces serious challenges as he is personally involved in allegedly failing technologies. But if Tesla wins, it can increase the trust and sales of this software, which costs up to 15,000 US dollars or around Rp229 million per vehicle.

Reuters reported on August 28, Tesla will face two trials in a short time, the first scheduled for September in a California state court. The lawsuit involves allegations that the Autopilot system caused a fatal accident on the Model 3, which killed its owner and injured its passengers. The lawsuit accused Tesla of knowing the defects in the security systems they were selling.

The second trial, scheduled for October in a Florida state court, stems from another crash in which Autopilot failed to avoid a collision with a large truck, killing its owner. Tesla denied responsibility in both accidents, blamed the driver's error, and stated that Autopilot was safe when watched by humans.

The stakes for Tesla were huge in the September and October trials, as there were casualties in those cases. Victory could support Tesla's claims about this technology, while a major defeat could jeopardize the company's image.

The trial is likely to reveal more evidence of what Musk and other company officials know about Autopilot's capabilities and shortcomings. The victim's attorney has claimed that Musk is the "de facto leader" of the Autopilot team.

Tesla and Musk have not commented on this report, but Musk has been active in autonomous software trials and has pledged for years on Tesla's autonomous capabilities, although it has often failed to achieve its own targets.

This case itself raises important questions about the future of autonomous technology, as well as the responsibility of manufacturers in developing and marketing this kind of technology. This trial will greatly affect the autonomous car industry and provide a clearer view of the safety of such technology on the highway.