Tesla, Inc. has patented a laser-based cleaning system which can be used to remove dirt from car windows, video cameras and solar panels without involving the car owner in the process.
According to the patent description, the technology can recognize and eliminate any obstructions it finds automatically. It remains unclear how (and whether) it will perform in rainy or snowy weather. Another open question is whether the laser beams are safe for the occupants of the car. The images show the beams directed into the cabin, which could pose a risk of eyesight damage.
That said, many patents never find practical implementation even decades after the registration, so it remains to be seen whether this one will ever make a difference.