Tesla submitted a technology patent to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in February last year.The number is "WO2023163943A1", describing that the hygiene status of seats, dashboards, and touch screens can be determined through in-vehicle sensor components, and cleaning can be carried out through infrared, ultraviolet light, or steam when necessary.
This technology patent may be used in Tesla's self-driving taxi (Robotaxi), which is expected to be unveiled in August this year. It will allow the self-driving vehicle to keep the passenger space clean during operation and allow the next passenger to safely operate and interact through the touch screen.
The patent description shows that vehicles using this technology can automatically disinfect through internal sensing elements, and in certain circumstances, eliminate bacteria through ultraviolet light, and even expel germs to the outside of the vehicle by increasing the operation of the air conditioner.
In addition, if the vehicle system cannot fully clean itself, the vehicle will be moved to a dedicated cleaning facility for sterilization using infrared light, or cleaning using heating, steam spraying, etc.
Tesla currently plans to unveil its self-driving taxi product in August. It expects to use its self-driving technology to create a fleet service that provides pre-booked rides, allowing users to conveniently commute or go to designated locations via self-driving vehicles.
