So, what is an autonomous vehicle? There are several levels of autonomy for a car, and there are different types of autonomous vehicles. All of this raises many questions. Let's start with some of the basic ones.
What is an autonomous vehicle?
An autonomous vehicle (AV) is basically a car that drives itself. There is no driver.
Is there any difference between a self-driving car and an autonomous vehicle (AV)?
No, these are different terms for the same thing.
When does a vehicle become autonomous?
There are several levels of autonomous driving ranging from a car with a few autonomous capabilities to a car that is fully autonomous.
What are these primary levels of autonomous vehicles?
Vehicles will become increasingly autonomous over time, and using different levels helps to classify what they can do and how autonomous they are.
Semi-Autonomous Vehicles combine at least three autonomous capabilities: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping or lane centering, and automatic stopping of some sort. These help the vehicle drive itself for a long time on the highway without driver intervention, but still require a driver at the steering wheel to take control when needed
Sufficiently-autonomous vehicles can drive completely autonomously from one predefined location to another predefined location along a predetermined path without a driver. They are called sufficiently autonomous because they are sufficient to do the driving expected. Sufficiently autonomous is an essential concept for autonomous ride services.
Fully-Autonomous vehicles do not require a driver at all. They can drive everywhere on their own.
How does a semi-autonomous vehicle ensure that a driver is standing by to take control?
Currently, semi-autonomous vehicles require a driver to be attentive at the driving controls. There are two methods currently used to do this. One senses that drivers have their hands touching the steering wheel. If they don't, then after a short period of time the vehicle will send a warning message and eventually shut down. The other uses a camera to monitor the driver with software interpreting if the driver is looking forward and attentive.
Why are sufficiently autonomous vehicles so important?
AVs will be able to function first in straightforward more routine situations, which cover most driving situations. It will be more difficult for them to drive on unmarked rural roads, alleys, complex road construction, etc. Also, certain weather conditions like snow will take AVs longer to master.
Is this like the 80/20 Rule?
Yes, they will be able to accomplish driving in 80% of the road conditions with 20% of the development and testing investment.
Will sufficiently autonomous vehicles be attractive if the driver still needs to do some of the driving?0
Possibly not at first, which is why the first use of sufficiently autonomous vehicles will be autonomous ride services (ARS).
What are autonomous ride services (ARS)
Put simply, ARS is like Uber without a driver, only less expensive, more comfortable, and more convenient.
Will ARS be a big deal?
Yes, it will be the first and most significant impact of autonomous vehicles. (See the FAQs on ARS.)
How do sufficiently autonomous vehicles know where they can and cannot drive?
They use a concept called “Geofencing” that limits them to certain areas and roads. Think of it as a map that identifies approved and prohibited roads in an area.
I've heard that Waymo has autonomous ride services in Arizona, but it is limited to a few square-mile area. Is that all it will be?
AV companies are starting out with limited pilot testing in small areas, but then they will expand the zone. It will be 10-square miles, then 50, then 100, then several hundred.
Are there official levels of autonomous driving?
The closest to an official classification scheme was issued by SAE International in 2014, and it was updated in late 2018. It defines six levels of autonomous driving:
Level 0 – No automation
Level 1 – Driver assistance
Level 2 – Partial automation
Level 3 – Conditional automation
Level 4 – High automation
Level 5 – Full automation
What is Level 0 driving automation?
Level 0 is autonomous driving that includes features that warn a driver of dangerous situations, but they don't take autonomous control of the vehicle. Blind spot detection and lane departure warning are examples of level 0 features.
What is Level 1 driving automation?
Level 1 introduces additional features such as lane centering or adaptive cruise control. When both are included, then the vehicle is classified as Level 2. In Level 1, the driver is still driving all the time.
What is Level 2 driving automation?
Level 2 is the first level of semi-autonomous driving, combining adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic braking. The driver may not be driving when these features are enabled but needs to be continuously aware of the situation to take control instantly if required.
What is Level 3 driving automation?
Level 3, is an advanced version of semi-autonomous driving. The vehicle can drive itself in certain situations, such as in a traffic jam, and the driver can be distracted doing other things. A driver is still required because the vehicle will request the driver to resume control of the vehicle, but the driver’s attention is not expected to be instant, as in Level 2.
What is Level 4 driving automation?
Level 4 is sufficiently autonomous driving. A driver is not required to be in the vehicle at all, but the vehicle will not be able to drive everywhere. It will be only able to drive along certain specified routes, but these will eventually cover most road systems. This is the level of driving automation expected for ARS vehicles.
Finally, what is Level 5 driving automation?
At level 5, the autonomous vehicle will be able to drive itself everywhere.
Will autonomous vehicles be expensive?
Yes, at least initially. Expensive sensors, computers, and software need to be added to make a car autonomous.
Does that mean that most people won’t use AVs?
Not at all, because initially most people won’t own an AV; they will use them for autonomous ride services (ARS).
Are there different types of autonomous vehicles?
Yes, there will be a wide range of AVs with different configurations. Autonomous trucks, buses, shuttles, etc. are also considered autonomous vehicles. Each of these types of vehicles is very different and will be discussed later.
Will autonomous vehicles have steering wheels?
Initially, they will because a human will need to take control and drive the vehicle on roads that are not yet ready for autonomous vehicles.
If there are no drivers, what will the interior of autonomous vehicles look like?
Some autonomous vehicles will enable the driver’s seat to turn and let the driver face others in the car or do other activities. Second generation ARS vehicles will be designed to look like a living room or office because they will have no driving control at all.
Will AVs be electric or gasoline powered?
Autonomous vehicles are technology-based platforms, and electrically powered vehicles (EVs) are more compatible than internal combustion engines (ICE) for these technologies. In most cases, AVs will be entirely new platforms built for the future, and most experts expect them to be EVs, although some may be hybrids.