Author: Mugunthan Artificial intelligence Driverless or self-driving cars is not a new concept to society. It was 1925 that the first self-driving car was created. It is only since the year 1956, that the driverless car has undergone a significant improvement. Self-driving cars were inspired by the high number of accidents and busy traffic. It’s hard to believe more than 90% accidents are caused by human error. If driving was automated, this could all be prevented. The self-driving vehicle can be categorized by Samuele Errico Piccarini at Unsplash based on its ability to drive itself. No Automation Level: These cars are not automated. They can be driven by the driver. Level 1 –Driver Assistance: This automation can be either longitudinal or latitudinal, but not both. Adaptive Cruise Control, for example, where speed can be controlled by the computer but driver must steer to change lanes. Level 2 – Partial Driving Automation: An automated level 2 car can perform both longitudinal and latitudinal controls, but only in certain situations and with the supervision of the driver. Level 2 automation includes Nissan Pro Pilot Assist, General Motors Super Cruise System and General Motors Super Cruise. Level 3 – Conditional Driving Automation. Level 3 automation represents one of the more advanced technology steps. Level 2 and 3 differ by Object and Event Detection and Respond (OEDR), with limited Operational Design Domains (ODD). Wait. Wait. OEDR refers to the ability to recognize objects or events which immediately impact the driving task, and to react appropriately to these. ODD refers to the conditions in which an operating system can function. This includes the environment, the time of day and any other factors that will ensure the car performs reliably. Level 3 automation doesn’t require the driver to pay attention under certain circumstances. In case of emergency or failure, however, control can be transferred to the driver. The fourth level, High Driving Automation (Level 4), has a failsafe mechanism to handle an emergency situation on its own. Drivers and passengers can focus on their other duties without risking their safety. The ODD can only be used in certain weather and environments. However, drivers have the ability to take over the vehicle during an emergency. Level 5 – Full Driving Automation: These cars have full autonomy, unlimited ODD and are fully autonomous. It can operate in all weather and climatic conditions. This level of automation does not require a driver. Although there isn’t yet a real example of such automation, we hope to soon see it in practice. The original article Levels of autonomous cars was published by on Medium. People are responding and highlighting this story. Published via
