Leave Elon Alone!

Elon Musk’s latest claim — “I remain confident that we will have the basic functionality for level 5 autonomy complete this year” — is a clear sign that Mr. Musk has crossed over to the other side and is now “cuckoo for cocoa puffs.”

Of course, the term “basic functionality” is not defined in any way, so he has a built-in disclaimer. No one knows what the “basic functionality” of a Level 5 autonomous vehicle is. For example, my Audi Q8 has Traffic Jam Assist, which is the basic functionality of any level of autonomy. In a traffic jam, under 40 mph, if you confirm you are a living being behind the wheel by touching it once per minute, the car will stay in the lane and skootch along without hitting anything (most of the time). That’s pretty basic. So, leave Elon alone. He’s just having a “moment.”

Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.

About Shelly Palmer

Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.

Tags

Categories

PreviousTo NFT, or not to NFT? NextAre Smartphones Making Us Dumber?

Get Briefed Every Day!

Subscribe to my daily newsletter featuring current events and the top stories in technology, media, and marketing.

Subscribe