Ashok Elluswamy, an Indian-origin engineer, received recognition for being Tesla’s Autopilot team’s inaugural recruit. Elon Musk expressed gratitude, emphasizing Elluswamy’s pivotal role, stating that without him and the team, Tesla would have struggled to find an autonomy supplier. Elluswamy, in turn, credited Musk as the driving force behind AI and autonomy at Tesla, highlighting Musk’s relentless pursuit of ambitious goals.
In a detailed note, Elluswamy recounted Tesla’s Autopilot’s inception in 2014, initiated on a minuscule computer with limited memory and computing power. Despite skepticism within the team, Musk insisted on implementing complex features like lane keeping and longitudinal control. Against all odds, Tesla shipped the world’s first Autopilot system in 2015, setting a precedent in the automotive industry.
Musk, acknowledging Elluswamy’s contribution, shared his post on X, commending him for his pivotal role in leading Tesla’s AI/Autopilot software. He clarified that he had no prior knowledge of Elluswamy’s post and never suggested its content, underscoring his genuine appreciation for Elluswamy’s achievements.
The exchange between Musk and Elluswamy exemplifies the collaborative spirit and innovation driving Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving technology. It also highlights the importance of visionary leadership and perseverance in achieving seemingly impossible goals.
