Autonomes Fahren mit Fahrzeugen, die ohne menschliches Eingreifen sicher auf der Straße fahren.

Autonomous driving: How we will get around in the future

Autonomous driving is one of the most fascinating technological advances of our time. For a long time, the idea of vehicles navigating our roads autonomously was just science fiction. But thanks to the constant development of sensor technologies, artificial intelligence and connectivity, the vision of the future is coming ever closer. In this blog post, we take a look at the basics of autonomous driving, its benefits and the challenges that come with it.

What does autonomous driving mean?

Autonomous driving describes the ability of vehicles to navigate and move without human intervention. This technology uses advanced sensors, artificial intelligence and algorithms to detect and interpret the environment and execute appropriate driving maneuvers. The aim is to reduce dependence on human drivers and thus enable safer, more efficient and more precise driving experiences. Autonomous driving is based on a scale from level 1 to level 5 according to the SAE classification. SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers open_in_new, a non-profit organization for technology and science. While assistance systems provide support at Level 1, at Level 5 the vehicle takes over all functions without human intervention. There are gradual increases in automation between these extremes. Each level poses specific challenges in terms of safety, human attention and legal aspects. The stages that illustrate the increasing automation and in accordance with the SAE classification are as follows:
  1. Level 1 – Assisted driving: The vehicle can take over individual driving functions in certain situations, such as steering or braking, but still requires active driver involvement. Assistance systems such as an automatic lane departure warning system or automatic adaptive cruise control support the driver, who must remain in control of the vehicle and keep an eye on the traffic.
  2. Level 2 – Partially automated driving: The vehicle can perform two or more driving functions simultaneously, such as steering and accelerating, but the driver must be able to monitor and intervene. The driver could theoretically take their hands off the steering wheel, but is not allowed to do so for legal reasons.
  3. Level 3 – Highly automated driving: The vehicle can drive autonomously in specific situations and only requires driver intervention in exceptional cases. The driver can, for example, make phone calls or read while driving a level 3 vehicle.
  4. Level 4 – Fully automated driving: The vehicles drive completely autonomously, e.g. on the highway or in a parking garage. Although a steering wheel is installed and provides the option of intervening, drivers can sleep or watch a movie while driving.
  5. Level 5 – Complete automation: At this level, the driver becomes a passenger. The vehicle can drive autonomously in all situations and under all conditions, without human intervention. There is also no longer a steering wheel. The first level 5 vehicles are already on the road, transporting food.

The development of autonomous driving

Research in the field of autonomous driving began back in the 1920s with the first concepts. However, the technology has only become more relevant in recent decades thanks to advances in artificial intelligence and sensor technology. Today, vehicles with different levels of autonomy can be found on the roads, with level 2, semi-automated driving, being the most common.

In May 2021, the Bundestag and Bundesrat in Germany passed the law for the legal framework of autonomous driving.open_in_new This allows the operation of level 4 vehicles on freeways and certain roads, which can drive autonomously in certain situations. However, a driver must be present to take control in an emergency.

The forecast for the future of autonomous driving is promising. Experts expect to see more level 3 and level 4 vehicles on the roads in the coming years. The technology has the potential to increase road safety and improve traffic flow. However, questions regarding liability, data protection and acceptance remain to be clarified before autonomous driving becomes a reality on a larger scale.

Autonomes Fahren ist in den USA bereits auf dem Prüfstand.
Seit August 2023 sind die autonom fahrenden Fahrzeuge des Robotaxi-Betreibers Waymo in San Francisco für den Betrieb rund um die Uhr zugelassen.

The advantages of autonomous driving

Autonomous driving brings a number of benefits that will help shape the mobility of the future. One of the main aspects is the potential to reduce traffic accidents. Human error, which often causes accidents, could be minimized through precise sensors and advanced algorithms. This would not only save lives, but also reduce the burden on emergency services and hospitals. Autonomous driving also promises to improve traffic flow. Seamless coordination of vehicles could reduce traffic jams and congestion. This in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions, which would make a significant contribution to environmental and climate protection open_in_new. The precision of autonomous vehicles also enables more efficient use of roads, which could reduce the need for new road infrastructure. Autonomous driving opens up new possibilities for people with limited mobility. Older people or people with disabilities could be more independent and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles could reduce the need for parking space, as they can park more effectively and maneuver in tight spaces.

Autonomous driving also raises legal and ethical questions

In addition to the advantages, the introduction of autonomous vehicles also raises legal and ethical dilemmas. In the event of accidents, liability issues are at the forefront: is the driver, the manufacturer or the software used responsible? The role of the driver in particular is changing: from active control to monitoring and intervening in emergencies. As a result, the understanding of driver liability and responsibility must be redefined.

Data protection is also becoming increasingly complex and questions about data security and use are being raised as vehicles collect personal data. Moral decisions in emergency situations are particularly difficult. Algorithms may have to weigh up lives in accidents, such as those of vehicle occupants against those of pedestrians. Determining such priorities is a complex task. Legal frameworks must provide clarity on how to resolve such dilemmas in order to ensure acceptance and trust in the technology.

Autonomous vehicles and pilot projects: Is the future of mobility already here?

The development of autonomous vehicles has made great progress in recent years and is producing exciting pilot projects that show how autonomous driving could change our everyday lives. One notable example is the company Mobileye, a subsidiary of Intel. They have received TÜV approval to operate their NIO ES8 autonomous vehicles on German roads open_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 its vehicles on all German roads. In a pilot phase, the vehicles will drive through cities such as Munich and Darmstadt, accompanied by a human safety driver. The US companies Waymo and Cruise have received permission to deploy robotaxis without safety drivers open_in_new throughout the city. The Californian regulatory authority CPUC has given the green light for this groundbreaking development. This marks a significant step towards the commercial use of autonomous vehicles. The technology will continue to be improved to ensure road safety and minimize the impact on traffic. Einride, a Swedish company, is developing autonomous electric trucks open_in_new for emission-free delivery traffic in urban areas. The vehicles use the “platooning” concept, in which several autonomous trucks work together in a convoy to make better use of road capacity and reduce congestion and emissions. Einride is already working with companies such as Lidl and DB Schenker to test the autonomous electric trucks in practice. This project illustrates how autonomous driving also plays an important role in freight transport for sustainable and efficient mobility in the future.

The most important facts about autonomous driving

Autonomous driving describes vehicles that move without human intervention. Sensors, artificial intelligence and algorithms record and interpret the surroundings.

Autonomous vehicles are intended to reduce the risk of traffic accidents, traffic jams and congestion, which in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions.

However, the introduction of autonomous vehicles also raises complex legal and ethical issues, particularly in relation to liability, data protection, decision-making responsibility in emergency situations and the need for international cooperation to resolve these challenges.

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