Tesla "Full Self Driving" (FSD) — Licensing Strikeout, Patent Lawsuit - CleanTechnica

The article discusses recent developments surrounding Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) technology, focusing on Elon Musk’s shifting stance regarding licensing the software to other automakers. Initially optimistic about interest from legacy car manufacturers, Musk recently expressed surprise and frustration that few automakers want to license Tesla’s FSD. While earlier statements suggested significant interest and ongoing talks, Musk now describes inquiries from traditional automakers as minimal and encumbered by impractical demands. This shift highlights the tension between Musk’s belief in FSD’s transformative potential—which he expects will drive Tesla’s growth—and the reality that other manufacturers remain cautious, possibly due to the technology’s current limitations and lack of widespread consumer demand. Additionally, the article notes ongoing challenges with FSD’s readiness, citing limited robotaxi trials in Austin, Texas, that have experienced crashes despite human supervision, underscoring that the software still requires significant improvement before unsupervised deployment is viable. The timeline for broader adoption or licensing remains uncertain, with Musk predicting it could