Prominent Tesla investor and bull Ross Gerber has publicly expressed concerns over the performance of Tesla's latest Full Self-Driving software update during adverse weather. The co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management took to social media to highlight significant challenges faced by the FSD v14.2.2.25 system while driving his Cybertruck in the rain.
From Praise to Criticism: Gerber's Stark Reversal on FSD
This criticism marks a notable shift for Gerber, who had previously hailed Tesla's v14 update as a major leap forward for autonomous driving technology. His latest experience, however, paints a different picture. During a trial run, the system issued a warning stating, "Autopilot Visibility Limited. Clear dirt or debris on cameras."
Gerber clarified that the problem was not caused by any physical obstruction like dirt, but purely by rainfall interfering with the vehicle's sensor suite. He shared a photo of the alert on platform X (formerly Twitter) and voiced his apprehension, writing, "Not sure of Tesla’s plans if FSD doesn’t work well in rain or direct sunlight…" He further encouraged other Tesla owners to test the system under similar wet conditions to see if they encounter the same issues.
Tesla's Parallel Push: Recruiting Employees as Robotaxi 'AI Operators'
As Tesla works to refine its FSD software, the company is simultaneously accelerating its Robotaxi ambitions through an internal hiring spree. According to a report by Business Insider, Tesla is offering overtime and extra shifts to its existing employees, including those from factory floors and sales departments, to act as monitors for its self-driving ride-sharing service.
These "AI operators" are required to sit in the driver's seat, actively supervising the vehicle while the Full Self-Driving software is engaged and taking control when necessary. This initiative is part of Tesla's plan to eventually launch a fully autonomous service. Recruitment posters at the company's California offices indicate they are seeking production associates and material handlers to boost Robotaxi availability in the Bay Area.
The internal recruitment drive is not limited to California. Evidence from LinkedIn profiles suggests employees in Nevada and Arizona have already transitioned into similar operator roles in cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix. To fast-track this process, Tesla is also offering a $500 referral bonus to staff who successfully recommend candidates for these AI operator positions.
Balancing Innovation with Real-World Reliability
The contrasting developments highlight the twin challenges Tesla faces. On one hand, critical feedback from a staunch supporter like Ross Gerber underscores the ongoing struggle to ensure the reliability of autonomous systems in diverse and challenging weather conditions, which is crucial for global markets including India's monsoon climate.
On the other hand, the aggressive internal hiring for Robotaxi monitoring reveals the company's commitment to deploying its technology at scale, even if it requires a significant human safety net in the interim. The success of both FSD and the future Robotaxi service hinges on the software's ability to perform consistently, rain or shine.
