Software Co.: We Warned Tesla About Hands-Free Autopilot Use

The company that made the camera and computer system for Tesla Motors’ semiautonomous Autopilot says the electric car maker ignored its warnings of safety problems.

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Israel-based Mobileye said Friday (16) that last year, prior to the release of Autopilot, it warned Tesla not to allow drivers to use the system without their hands on the steering wheel. The system Tesla rolled out in the fall allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel while the car takes control of steering and other functions.

Mobileye’s statement escalates a public spat with Tesla and will almost certainly draw the interest of two federal agencies investigation the death of a driver while using Autopilot in a May crash in Florida. At issue is whether Tesla rolled out the system before it was ready, essentially allowing it to be tested by owners. Mobileye stopped supplying components to Tesla a few weeks ago.