Tesla has finally rolled out its long-awaited and playfully named ‘Actually Smart Summon’ (ASS) feature, an upgraded version of its autonomous parking lot navigation system in its electric vehicles (EVs).

In detail, the new feature allows the EVs to drive themselves to their owners’ location without anyone in the driver’s seat. This feature was released as part of the 2024.27.20 software update. 

Originally promised by CEO Elon Musk in 2022, the feature is designed to be a significant improvement over its predecessor, Smart Summon. The previous version, released in 2019, had mixed reviews and was known for occasional mishaps including failing to detect obstacles like curbs, poles, and even trees.

The new feature not only allows the EV to come to the owner’s location but also introduces a “Go to Target” function, enabling the EV to drive to a specified spot autonomously. Tesla has also playfully dubbed the original Smart Summon as “Dumb Summon,” which now simply allows users to move their Tesla forward or backward using the mobile app. 

Unlike its predecessor, the new feature relies on Tesla’s Vision system rather than ultrasonic sensors. Users now get a live feed from the EV’s cameras through the Tesla app, allowing for better supervision of the EV’s movements.

“Buckle up for the ride of your life, except, surprise! You’re not in the car,” Tesla quips in the release notes. “ASS allows your vehicle to come to you, or head to a spot that you choose, all on its own. It’s like magic, but with more tech and less wand-waving.”

Currently, the new feature appears to be limited to EVs equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4) or AI4. However, it is expected to roll out to Hardware 3 (HW3) EVs in the coming weeks, similar to the recent Full Self-Driving (FSD) v12.5 update.

Tesla has noted plans to further enhance the feature, including integration with HomeLink and myQ for garage door control, increasing the travel distance without a driver, and removing the need to hold a button in the app during operation.

Despite the exciting capabilities, Tesla emphasizes that ASS and Dumb Summon should only be used in parking lots or driveways. The company urges users to remain vigilant and monitor their EVs and its surroundings at all times, reminding them that they are still responsible for the car’s actions.

Read More: Tesla Reportedly Pushes Back Robotaxi Unveiling to October

With this new release, it arrives before Tesla unveils the long-promised robotaxi in California next month which will take place at Warner Bros studio in Los Angeles, California. As self-driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI) remain central to Tesla’s future plans, the ASS feature will be another aspect that will contribute to the company’s success in the EV market. 

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