Tesla has officially started deploying a software update activating its in-cabin radar, a feature that has been supported and expected for a few years, and one that may require a retrofit for some owners.
On Friday, Tesla began rolling out software update 2025.2.6, featuring the activation of its in-cabin radar located just above the passenger dome light. The company lists the feature in its owner’s manuals, noting that the cabin radar is currently only available for 2022 model-year Model Y units and later, though it’s also expected to roll out to refreshed Model 3 and Cybertruck units at some point.
Some have also said that they believe the refreshed Model S and Model X have been equipped with the radar hardware, so it’s possible these vehicles could also receive the feature. Tesla calls the feature the First-Row Cabin Sensing Update in the release notes for 2025.2.6, which also seems to be related to the company’s debut of the so-called 4D Radar in the new Model Y.
What does Tesla’s in-cabin radar do?
“Cabin radar can detect the presence of people inside the vehicle and use the measurements to determine occupancy,” Tesla writes in the owner’s manual. “Cabin radar supports certain vehicle and safety features, such as occupancy detection for the front passenger seat.”
The benefit of cabin radar is that it uses radio waves to detect objects and passengers inside the vehicle, and it can do so more precisely than the selfie camera when identifying what exactly is in the front and rear seats. Recently, Tesla has also highlighted the 4D radar system’s ability to pick up on things like the heartbeat of a pet or small child, offering an extra layer of safety for passengers.
READ MORE ON IN-CABIN RADAR: Tesla plans to use cabin radar, ditching seat sensors for safety
In a video interview with Tesla Owners Silicon Valley earlier this week, the company’s Model Y Program Manager, Emmanuel Lamacchia, also detailed the 4D imaging radar, saying that it both detects and classifies passengers based on their size. This lets the system toggle necessary airbags and even take further precautions against passengers being left behind in the vehicle.
Eventually, Lamacchia says the system will be able to protect against a child or pet being left behind by sending a reminder to owners, turning on the HVAC system, rolling down the window, or even calling 911. The Model Y Program Manager says that these will be enabled in the refreshed model in Q3.
Tesla’s Lead Cybertruck Engineer said on X on Friday that, while incidents related to these issues are extremely low, their severity can be extremely high, pointing to the importance of the upcoming feature.
You can watch the full talk from Lamacchia and Tesla Owners Silicon Valley below, with the bit about the 4D in-cabin radar starting around 30:30.
What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com.
Tesla vehicles in the U.S. are set to get this long-awaited feature
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Tesla is recruiting Data Collection Operators to propel the development of its Optimus humanoid robot. The new hires will be critical in supporting Tesla’s data collection team to refine the Optimus bot.
The primary responsibilities of Data Collection Operators include gathering data, addressing engineering requests, and providing equipment feedback. Candidates must demonstrate data-driven decision-making and enthusiasm for robotics.
“We are looking for someone with enthusiasm for the field of robotics and a strong desire to contribute to the development of [the] Tesla Bot,” Tesla noted.
Available shifts for Tesla’s Data Collection Operators include 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 4:00 PM–12:30 AM, or 12:00 AM–8:30 AM, with flexibility for overtime and weekend work.
Operators will walk pre-determined test routes daily, wearing motion capture suits and Virtual Reality headsets to perform specific movements based on project needs. Requirements include the ability to walk over seven hours daily while carrying up to 30 pounds, a height between 5’6” and 6’, and comfort with extended VR use. Candidates must also exhibit hand/eye coordination, body awareness, and the ability to travel up to 25% of the time with daily regional driving.
Elon Musk recently showcased Optimus advancements, sharing a dance video highlighting the Tesla bot’s agility and swift progress. Optimus has evolved significantly since its 2022 debut at AI Day, where semi-functional prototypes walked and moved arms. Critics initially questioned its reliance on remote control, but Tesla’s ongoing efforts are silencing doubters.
Morgan Stanley analysts project a $5 trillion market for humanoid robots by mid-century, with Tesla’s Optimus poised to capitalize in industrial and commercial applications. As Tesla pushes the boundaries of robotics, the Data Collection Operator roles underscore its commitment to innovation.
With Optimus advancing, Tesla’s recruitment reflects its strategic focus on AI and robotics. The data collected will refine the Optimus bot. Tesla Optimus could transform industries and position Tesla as a leader in the humanoid robot market, aligning with Musk’s vision for a tech-driven future.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s $56B pay package under review by new Tesla committee
Tesla forms a special board committee to reassess Elon Musk’s 2018 compensation. New performance-based options may be on the table for Musk.
Tesla’s board has established a special committee to evaluate CEO Elon Musk’s pay package. The move comes as the company navigates a pivotal shift in its strategic direction.
According to the Financial Times, the new committee could craft a new stock options package. The committee, comprising Tesla board Chair Robyn Denholm and independent director Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, is tasked with reviewing Musk’s compensation, noted sources familiar with the matter.
The group will explore alternative compensation methods for Musk’s past contributions if the 2018 $56 billion pay package is not reinstated. Any new stock options would be tied to Tesla meeting financial, operational, and share price targets. Musk’s 2018 pay package is currently under appeal.
Last month, Tesla disclosed the formation of a special committee to address compensation matters involving Musk, though details were sparse. In March 2025, Musk appealed to restore his record-breaking $56 billion compensation, arguing that Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathleen McCormick made “multiple legal errors” in rescinding it. The appeal began on March 11, 2025. Musk along with current and former Tesla directors are challenging McCormick’s application of the entire fairness standard in her ruling.
Tesla is at a crossroads as it pushes forward with robotaxis and humanoid robots. This shift repositions Tesla as an AI and robotics leader rather than a traditional automaker. Elon Musk is Tesla’s largest shareholder, holding a 13% stake. Earlier this month, Denholm refuted a Wall Street Journal report suggesting the board was seeking a replacement for Musk, reaffirming his central role in the company.
The committee’s review underscores Tesla’s efforts to align Musk’s compensation with its evolving goals amid legal and strategic challenges. As the appeal progresses and Tesla doubles down on AI-driven innovation, the outcome could shape the company’s leadership and market trajectory. With Musk’s vision steering Tesla toward uncharted territory, the compensation debate highlights the high stakes of balancing shareholder value with transformative ambition.
News
xAI’s AI Infrastructure Partnership gains Cisco as a key ally
Cisco joins xAI’s AIP alliance to build the infrastructure behind AI’s next era. The alliance could mobilize up to $100B for AI growth.
Cisco has joined the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), led by xAI, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, MGX, Microsoft, and NVIDIA.
Cisco joined AIP to advance AI innovation through robust infrastructure. The collaboration underscores the growing momentum behind xAI’s mission to scale AI capabilities.
“AI is only as effective as the technology that connects and secures it. By collaborating across our industry and leveraging public and private partnerships, we intend to build the infrastructure necessary to fulfill the promise of AI as we work together to drive innovation and economic growth,” Cisco stated.
As a technology partner, Cisco joins energy collaborators GE Vernova and NextEra Energy, strengthening AIP’s platform to deliver secure, scalable infrastructure for AI workloads. AIP aims to unlock $30 billion in capital, potentially mobilizing up to $100 billion with debt financing, to support these efforts.
xAI’s partnerships have expanded significantly, with 14 technology collaborators. NVIDIA supplies critical graphic processing units (GPUs) powering xAI’s AI models, including Grok and the Colossus supercomputer. Other partners have not been fully disclosed, but likely include cloud computing or hardware providers enhancing xAI’s infrastructure.
In March 2025, xAI joined a $30 billion AI infrastructure fund with NVIDIA, Microsoft, and BlackRock, focusing on expanding U.S.-based AI resources. This consortium, backed by MGX’s investment fund, bolsters xAI’s ability to scale operations.
By April 2025, xAI partnered with Palantir Technologies and TWG Global to integrate AI models like Grok into financial services. The xAI collaboration with Palantir Technologies and TWG Global is expected to pave the way for broader adoption as more partners are expected to join.
Cisco’s entry into AIP signals a strategic push to address the infrastructure demands of AI’s rapid growth. With xAI at the helm, the partnership leverages industry leaders to ensure secure, efficient systems, positioning the U.S. as a hub for AI innovation. As collaborations expand, xAI’s vision for transformative AI solutions gains momentum, promising economic and technological advancements.
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