Few companies have made as significant an impact as Tesla. Recently, Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, took a moment to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Ashok Elluswamy, an Indian-origin engineer who has been instrumental in the company’s advancements in AI and autopilot technologies.
Ashok Elluswamy’s journey from Chennai to Silicon Valley is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of robotics and software engineering. Born and raised in India, Ashok completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from the College of Engineering, Guindy (2005-2009). Eager to expand his knowledge and skills, he then moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Science in Robotic Systems Development at Carnegie Mellon University, graduating in 2013.
Before joining Tesla, Ashok gained valuable experience in various roles that set the foundation for his future contributions. He started his career as a Software Engineer at WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, where he worked for over two years. His role involved developing safety and control systems for vehicles, which honed his expertise in software related to vehicle dynamics and control.
Ashok then transitioned to a research intern role at the Volkswagen Electronics Research Lab, where he delved deeper into advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and computer vision, further sharpening his skills in automotive software and robotics.
In 2014, Ashok joined Tesla as a part of its then-nascent Autopilot team. His deep knowledge in robotics and computer vision made him a natural fit for the team tasked with developing Tesla’s autonomous driving technology. Elon Musk personally acknowledged Ashok as the first person hired for Tesla’s Autopilot team in a 2021 announcement.
Over the years, Ashok has climbed the ranks to become the Director of Autopilot Software, leading the team responsible for developing and refining the technologies that underpin Tesla’s autonomous driving systems. His work involves enhancing the vehicle’s ability to perceive, understand, and navigate its environment autonomously, making Tesla a leader in the field of self-driving cars.
On May 29, 2024, Elon Musk publicly thanked Ashok Elluswamy for his contributions to Tesla’s AI and autopilot systems. In a tweet, Musk credited Ashok and the entire AI/Autopilot team for their relentless innovation and dedication, stating, “Thanks Ashok! Ashok was the first person to join the Tesla AI/Autopilot team and ultimately rose to lead all AI/Autopilot software. Without him and our awesome team, we would just be another car company looking for an autonomy supplier that doesn’t exist.”
