Tesla Might Use Lasers to Clean Glass in the Future

Tesla filed a patent last spring for a system that will clean dirt and debris off of windshields using pulsed lasers. The system could also be used to clean cameras  on cars as well.

Not long after the Cybertruck reveal, Tesla is continuing their venture into science fiction technology. Last May the company filed a patent for a system that would use lasers to clean debris off of windshields. Yes, lasers.

According to the patent drawings, which you can view here, lasers will be mounted on the hood, front fenders, and b-pillars which will then “irradiate region associated with the detected debris on  glass article.” In layman’s terms, the laser will burn off any dirt or debris detected on the glass to preserve the driver’s line of sight. Additionally, the laser system will be used to clean driver assisting cameras.

To protect the glass—and hopefully the passengers inside—the patent described either coating the glass with indium tin oxide or some other coating that would absorb the lasers and prevent damage to the glass. Another solution to protecting the glass would be calibrating the rate of the pulsing lasers so that the lasers penetrate a thickness less than that of the glass windshield.

It’s worth noting that a patent does not guarantee that this technology will be put onto a future Tesla model, but it’s definitely promising. After all, Tesla is never one to shy away from implementing cutting-edge technology in their vehicles.