Tesla has patented a new method to make use of lasers – like windshield wipers. The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company a patent on a way of using laser beams to clean debris off a windshield and might come in hand for other glass parts of the vehicle as well.

Innovative wipers for innovative cars

The patent is called “Pulsed laser cleaning of debris accumulated on glass articles in vehicles and photovoltaic assemblies.” The laser beams would act as “a cleaning apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: a beam optics assembly configured to emit a laser beam to irradiate a region on a glass article that is installed in the vehicle,” according to the patent. 

Tesla filed a patent application for the laser-based tech back in 2018. But just because the company has patented this tech doesn’t mean it will surely be included in the upcoming Tesla car. It’s possible that it might take a few more years before it becomes a reality. Recently, the company filed a patent application for a new glass-forming method for the Cybertruck.

Tesla vehicles getting a push

Recently, Tesla executives also confirmed that its commercial EV project, Semi, will hit the market in 2022. This information aligns with previous reports of the delay. Tesla cites the global semiconductor shortage and its limited battery production capability for the new 4680 style cells as the reason for the delay.

Besides, Tesla is also said to be working on a humanoid robot and it will be completed by 2022. The Tesla Bot will aim to help humans with tasks that are repetitive or dangerous. Besides, Musk might develop spacesuits for NASA. The space agency’s lunar-grade spacesuits might not be ready for the first landing on the lunar surface in 2024, as per a new audit. SpaceX already has spacesuits in its portfolio; however, they aren’t designed for extra-vehicular spacewalks.