Understanding self-driving car technology
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The future is just around the corner – self-driving cars are closer than ever to becoming commonplace and fully functional. Officially, self-driving vehicles do not need human drivers to operate the vehicle safely. They are also called autonomous or "unmanned" vehicles. While they are often advertised as self-driving, there are no fully self-driving cars legally operating in the US yet.
How do self-driving cars work?
While designs vary between manufacturers, most self-driving cars have an internal map of their environment created and maintained by various sensors and transmitter inputs. Almost all self-driving cars perceive their environment using a combination of video cameras, radar, and lidar, a system that uses light from a laser. All information collected by these input systems is processed by the software to form the path and send instructions for the operation of the vehicle. These include acceleration, braking, steering, and more, as well as hard-coded rules and obstacle avoidance algorithms for safe navigation and compliance with traffic rules.
Current self-driving car models are partially autonomous and require a human driver. These include traditional cars with brake assist and near-independent self-driving car prototypes. However, future fully autonomous models may not even need a steering wheel. Some of them may also qualify as "connected", which means they can communicate with other vehicles on the road or in infrastructure.
Research differentiates levels of autonomy on a scale of 0 to 5:
Level 0: No automatic functionality. Humans manage and control all major systems. This includes cars with cruise control as the driver sets and changes the speed as needed.
Level 1: driver assistance required. Some systems, such as adaptive cruise control or automatic braking, can be controlled by the vehicle when they are individually activated by a human driver.
Level 2: Partial automation options available. The car offers at least two simultaneous automatic functions at certain times, such as steering and acceleration on the highway, but still requires human input. The car will match your speed based on traffic and follow the curves of the road, but the driver must be prepared to constantly overcome the many limitations of the systems. Level 2 systems include Tesla Autopilot, Volvo Pilot Assist, Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, and Cadillac Super Cruise.
Level 3: Conditional Automation. The vehicle manages all important safety operations under certain conditions, but the human driver must take control when alerted. The car monitors the environment instead of the person, but the person should not take a nap, as he will need to know how to take control when required.
Level 4: High automation. The car is fully autonomous in most dynamic driving situations, although not in all. It will still require driver intervention in bad weather or unusual conditions. Tier 4 vehicles will continue to be equipped with a steering wheel and pedals for human control when needed.
Level 5: Fully automated. In any driving situation, the car uses fully autonomous driving and only asks people for directions.
Why are self-driving cars emerging?
Consumers and corporations alike are interested in self-driving car technology. Whether it's the convenience factor or a smart business investment, here are 6 reasons self-driving cars are becoming more common:
1. Commute: Travelers facing a long and busy commute to and from work love the idea of watching TV, reading books, sleeping or even working. While it's not quite a reality yet, would-be car owners want a self-driving car to if not save them time on the road, then at least allow them to focus on other interests during their round trips.
2. Car rental companies: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are looking to make self-driving taxis to eliminate the need for human drivers (and paid human drivers). Instead, they will focus on creating safe, fast and direct trips to locations.
3. Car manufacturers: Presumably, autonomous cars will reduce the number of car accidents. Car companies want to support self-driving technology to boost crash safety ratings, and AI ratings could potentially be an argument in favor of future car buyers.
4. Traffic Avoidance: Some car companies and tech corporations are working on self-driving cars that will monitor traffic conditions and parking at destinations in certain cities. This means that these cars will get to the place faster and more efficiently than driverless cars. They will take on the job of a driver using smartphones and GPS devices to find directions to the fastest route, and will work in conjunction with local authorities.
5. Delivery service: As they cut labor costs, delivery companies are turning their attention to self-driving cars. Parcels and food can be transported efficiently with an autonomous vehicle. Car companies such as Ford have begun testing the service using a vehicle that is not actually self-driving, but is designed to gauge public reaction.
6. Subscription driving service: Some car companies are working to build a fleet of self-driving cars that customers pay to use or own. Riders will essentially pay for the right not dive.
What is the potential impact of self-driving cars?
In addition to being attractive to consumers, governments and businesses, self-driving cars can be expected to have an impact on the societies and economies that adopt them. Costs and overall benefits remain uncertain, but three areas of impact should be kept in mind:
1. Security: Self-driving vehicles have the potential to reduce car crash fatalities by making room for human error. Software may be less error prone than humans and have faster response times, but developers are still concerned about cybersecurity.
2. Impartiality: Self-driving cars can mobilize more people, such as the elderly or the disabled. However, it could also lead to the layoff of many workers due to a reduction in the number of drivers and could negatively affect the financing of public transport before it takes over the system. To work better, self-driving cars or their subscription services need to be available to most people.
3. Environment: Depending on the availability and convenience of self-driving cars, they can increase the total number of kilometers traveled each year. If it runs on gasoline, it may increase emissions; if they run on electricity, transport-related emissions can be significantly reduced.
