Autonomous Driving: How We Will Move Around in the Future

Autonomous driving is one of the most fascinating technological advancements of our time. The concept of vehicles navigating our roads autonomously was once relegated to the realm of science fiction. However, thanks to continuous advancements in sensor technologies, artificial intelligence, and connectivity, this futuristic vision is becoming increasingly achievable. In this blog post, we will delve into the fundamentals of autonomous driving, its benefits, and the challenges that come with it.

What does autonomous driving mean?

Autonomous driving describes the capability of vehicles to navigate and move without human intervention. This technology employs advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and algorithms to perceive and interpret the surroundings, as well as to execute appropriate driving maneuvers. The goal is to reduce the reliance on human drivers, thereby enabling safer, more efficient, and more precise driving experiences. Autonomous driving is categorized on a scale from Level 1 to Level 5 according to the SAE classification. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineersopen_in_new, a nonprofit organization for technology and science. While Level 1 involves driver assistance systems supporting certain driving functions, Level 5 entails the vehicle performing all functions without any human intervention. Between these extremes, there are incremental levels of automation, each presenting specific challenges related to safety, human attention, and legal aspects. The levels of increasing automation outlined by the SAE classification are as follows:

Level 1 – Assisted Driving: The vehicle can take over individual driving functions in specific situations, such as steering or braking, but still requires active driver engagement. Assistance systems like automatic lane-keeping assistance or adaptive cruise control support the driver, who must maintain control of the vehicle and stay attentive to traffic.
Level 2 – Partial Automation: The vehicle can simultaneously handle two or more driving functions, such as steering and acceleration, but the driver must monitor and be ready to intervene. The driver could theoretically remove their hands from the steering wheel, but legal restrictions prevent this.
Level 3 – Highly Automated Driving: The vehicle can autonomously drive in specific situations and only requires driver intervention in exceptional cases. In a Level 3 vehicle, the driver could, for instance, make phone calls or read while the vehicle is driving.
Level 4 –Fully Automated Driving: Vehicles drive fully autonomously, such as on highways or in parking lots. A steering wheel is present and allows for intervention, but drivers can sleep or watch a movie during the journey.
Level 5 – Full Automation: At this level, the driver becomes a passenger. The vehicle can autonomously drive in all situations and conditions without any human intervention. Even a steering wheel is absent. First Level-5 vehicles are already in operation, transporting goods.

The Development of Autonomous Driving

Research in the field of autonomous driving began as early as the 1920s with initial concepts. However, the technology gained greater relevance in the last few decades through advancements in Artificial Intelligence and sensor technology. Today, vehicles with various levels of autonomy can be found on the roads, with Level 2, semi-automated driving, being the most common.

In May 2021, the German Bundestag and Bundesrat passed the law establishing the legal framework for autonomous drivingopen_in_new . This law permits the operation of Level-4 vehicles on highways and certain roads in Germany, allowing them to autonomously drive in specific situations. However, a vehicle operator must be present to take control in case of emergencies.

The outlook for the future of autonomous driving is promising. Experts anticipate that in the coming years, more Level-3 and Level-4 vehicles will be on the roads. The technology has the potential to enhance traffic safety and improve traffic flow. Nonetheless, questions regarding liability, data privacy, and acceptance need to be addressed before autonomous driving becomes a reality on a larger scale.

Die Vorteile des autonomen Fahrens

Autonomous driving brings a multitude of advantages that shape the future of mobility. One of the key aspects lies in the potential for reducing traffic accidents. Human errors, often responsible for accidents, could be minimized through precise sensors and advanced algorithms. This would not only save lives but also alleviate the burden on emergency services and hospitals.

Additionally, autonomous driving promises improved traffic flow. Seamless coordination of vehicles could help reduce congestion and traffic overload. This, in turn, leads to lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions, making a significant contribution to environmental and climate protectionopen_in_new . The precision of autonomous vehicles also allows for more efficient road utilization, potentially decreasing the need for new road infrastructures.

For individuals with limited mobility, autonomous driving offers new possibilities. Older individuals or people with disabilities could gain more independence and enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles could decrease the demand for parking space, as they can park more effectively and navigate in tight spaces.

Autonomous Driving Raises Legal and Ethical Questions

In addition to the benefits, the introduction of autonomous vehicles also raises legal and ethical dilemmas. When accidents occur, questions of liability take precedence: Is the driver, the manufacturer, or the used software accountable? Particularly, the role of the driver is undergoing a transformation: from active control to monitoring and intervention in emergencies. As a result, the understanding of driver liability and responsibility must be redefined.

Furthermore, data privacy is becoming increasingly intricate, giving rise to concerns regarding data security and utilization due to the collection of personal information by vehicles. Moral decisions in emergency situations present considerable challenges. Algorithms might need to weigh lives against each other in accidents, such as those of vehicle occupants versus pedestrians. Establishing such priorities is a complex task. Legal frameworks must provide clarity on how to address these dilemmas in order to ensure acceptance and trust in the technology.

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Autonomous Vehicles and Pilot Projects: Is the Future of Mobility Already Here?

The development of autonomous vehicles has made significant progress in recent years, giving rise to exciting pilot projects that demonstrate how autonomous driving could reshape our daily lives.

A notable example is the company Mobileye, a subsidiary of Intel. They have obtained TÜV certification to operate their autonomous vehicles of the NIO ES8 type on German roadsopen_in_new . These vehicles are equipped with sophisticated technology, including 13 cameras and a system of cameras and radar sensors. The approval allows Mobileye to test and operate their vehicles on all German roads. During a pilot phase, these vehicles are set to navigate cities like Munich and Darmstadt while being accompanied by a human safety driver.

US-based companies Waymo and Cruise have been granted permission to deploy robotaxis without safety driversopen_in_new throughout urban areas. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given the green light for this groundbreaking advancement. This represents a significant step towards the commercial utilization of autonomous vehicles. Ongoing technological improvements aim to ensure traffic safety and minimize impacts on traffic flow.

Einride, a Swedish company, is developing autonomously driving electric trucksopen_in_new for emissions-free delivery operations in urban areas. These vehicles utilize the “platooning” concept, where multiple autonomously driving trucks work together in a convoy to optimize road capacity and reduce congestion and emissions. Einride is already collaborating with companies like Lidl and DB Schenker to conduct practical tests of their autonomous electric trucks. This project underscores how autonomous driving also plays a crucial role in sustainable and efficient future mobility, particularly in the realm of freight transport.

Key Points on Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving refers to vehicles that move without human intervention. Sensors, artificial intelligence, and algorithms are used to perceive and interpret the surroundings for this purpose.

Autonomously driving vehicles aim to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, congestion, and traffic congestion, thereby leading to lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions.

However, the introduction of autonomous vehicles also raises complex legal and ethical questions, particularly concerning liability, data privacy, decision-making responsibility in emergency situations, and the need for international collaboration to address these challenges.