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Tesla's Vice President, Ashok Elluswamy, Grants Uncommon Media Appearance [Video]
Tesla's AI Visionary: Ashok Elluswamy Discusses the Future of EVs, Autonomous Driving, and Robotics
In an exclusive interview with Indian YouTuber Gobinath, Ashok Elluswamy, the Vice President of AI Software at Tesla, shared insights into the electric vehicle (EV) giant's ambitious plans for AI integration in mobility, robotics, and autonomous driving.
AI and Electric Vehicles
Elluswamy highlighted the deep synergy between AI software and EV hardware, explaining how Tesla uses advanced AI to enhance vehicle autonomy and overall driving experience. He pointed out that Teslas can now drive themselves within the factory premises without human intervention, marking progress toward large-scale autonomous driving.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Program
With strong confidence, Elluswamy asserted that fully autonomous driving on public roads is "just a matter of time." The FSD system is progressing toward minimal driver intervention and is already capable of handling complex driving scenarios such as traffic signals. Tesla cars are steadily moving from assisted driving systems toward unsupervised FSD, indicating a bold vision for the program’s near future.
Tesla's Optimus Humanoid Robot
Elluswamy provided exclusive insights into Tesla’s humanoid robot program, discussing the broader vision for AI-driven robotics. He connected the development of Optimus as part of Tesla’s ambitions to integrate AI across mobility and robotics sectors, envisioning advanced robots playing significant roles in industries and daily life.
Collaborating with Elon Musk
During the interview, Elluswamy shared behind-the-scenes stories about collaborating with Elon Musk, revealing the visionary mindset and decision-making approach that drives Tesla’s innovation in AI and robotics. He described Musk as a highly driven leader with an intense work ethic, sharp technical instincts, and a surprising sense of humor.
Ashok Elluswamy's Career Path
Before joining Tesla, Elluswamy gained experience at Volkswagen's Electronic Research Lab and WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, where his focus was on computer vision, perception, and control systems. He holds a master's degree in Robotics System Development from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai.
Elluswamy was the first engineer hired for Tesla's Autopilot team in 2014 and now oversees Tesla's AI software, including its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) programs. He stated that Elon Musk can predict the future early and that Musk is not afraid of taking risks.
The interview underscores Elluswamy's optimism about the transformative impact of AI on transportation, robotics, and mobility in the coming years. Elluswamy hinted at future advancements in AI-driven robotics and autonomous technology, suggesting that Tesla is committed to integrating AI more deeply into its vehicles and products.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in enhancing the autonomy and overall driving experience of Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs), as highlighted by Ashok Elluswamy, the Vice President of AI Software at Tesla. Additionally, Elluswamy envisions advanced AI-driven robotics, such as Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, playing significant roles in various industries and daily life in the near future.
