You might have thought we were still a while away from self-aware, self-driving cars but it looks like Tesla is trying to make it happen sooner rather than later.

They’ve launched a software update that gives their Model S and Model X cars an autopilot feature, allowing the cars to “automatically steer down the highway, change lanes, and adjust speed in response to traffic”.

Elon Musk said:

Essentially it’s like a person – how well can a person figure out what route they should take. Over time it will be better than a person. Long term it will be way better than a person. It never gets tired, it’s never had anything to drink, it’s never arguing with someone in the car. It’s not distracted.

It’s all down to the car’s implemented forward radar, a forward-looking camera, 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors and highly accurate digitally-controlled electric brake system that Tesla added to their cars last October.

Here’s the video of some dude trying it autopilot mode for himself:

So either this is another step in technology gone way too far and we’re inching closer to the inevitable killer robot takeover or this is the most awesome news ever. How great will it be driving somewhere and not actually having to worry about driving? You could catch up on some texts and phone calls, read a book, watch a film, have some munch. Theoretically you’d be able to get smashed or have a nap but maybe I’m looking way too into the future with that one.

All we need is the cars to have a KIT-style personality and we’re good to go.

In the meantime, check out a few more weird concept cars that could very well be a reality sometime in the future.