A few people have indicated here that they expect the car would stop more reliably for pedestrians. I have questions, along those lines, for people who have responded with that general opinion or other similar opinions (which may imply that they think the system has a reliable capability in some situations - or they may not think that...some people may have just been suggesting that the response to people MIGHT be more reliable than the response to barrels...not trying to put words in anyone's mouth here):
Why do you think the vehicle would stop for/avoid any obstacle? What is the thought process that goes into drawing that conclusion? What are the factors in your thought process? Is it the name of the assistance feature? Or is it something else? Is it your experience with the system? What about that experience gives you that confidence in the system?
"Warning:
Although Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, never depend on Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to adequately slow Model 3 down for them. Always watch the road in front of you and be prepared to take corrective action at all times. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death."
"Automatic Emergency Braking does not apply the brakes, or stops applying the brakes, when: • You turn the steering wheel sharply. • You press and release the brake pedal while Automatic Emergency Braking is applying the brakes. • You accelerate hard while Automatic Emergency Braking is applying the brakes. • The
vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian is no longer detected ahead."
"Warning: Several factors can affect the performance of Automatic Emergency Braking, causing either no braking or inappropriate or untimely braking, such as when a vehicle is partially in the path of travel
or there is road debris. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Never depend on Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid or reduce the impact of a collision."
It's explicitly stated in the manual that it CAN detect pedestrians, using TACC and AEB.
It is explicitly stated in the manual that AEB will not deploy if it doesn't detect a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. (And it categorizes those, and puts them on the screen)
It is explicitly stated in the manual the Road Debris (my-words stuff that isn't categorized) can cause it to not brake for debris, or other things it should brake for.
Having said that, all of that is "IT CAN DO THIS" but its "NOT GUARANTEED" to do any of it.
The combination of "Real Driver + Autopilot" from the statistics does seem to be better than the real driver along. That DOES NOT mean that the Autopilot, on its own is better that a Real Driver.
It may well be, but there isn't any published data for that at the moment. All I can deduce is that the combination is better at reducing accidents.