The Different Levels of Autonomous Driving Vehicles

While level 4 autonomous vehicle technology is now being used in various parts of the world, it is still in its early stages. In the not-too-distant future, level 5 is projected to become a reality.

FREMONT, CA: In the future, automakers are attempting to make people's lives easier and safer. They believe that removing humans from the equation and enabling machines to handle all of the driving is preferable. However, there are six stages of autonomous driving, which are described below.

Level 0

Cars in level 0 autonomous driving technology do not do any driving on their own. The vehicle's systems offer warnings and may intervene briefly. Blind-spot warnings, lane departure warnings, and the automatic emergency braking are examples of these.

Level 1

With Level 1, the vehicle's controls are shared by the driver and the autonomous systems. Cruise control or adaptive cruise control is an example of level 1, in which the driver controls the steering of the vehicle while the system controls the throttle and braking while traveling at a set speed.

Another shared driving feature with level 1 is parking assistance, which works in the other direction. The steering is controlled by an automatic system, while the driver controls the speed. When lane keep assist does not work in conjunction with adaptive cruise control, it is rated as level 1.

Level 2

At level 2, the automated system can take complete control of the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and steering. However, if the system fails to respond correctly, the driver must be ready to intervene instantly. At level 2, adaptive cruise control can be used in conjunction with lane keep assist. The driver's eyes are frequently monitored using cameras in cars with Level 2 systems to ensure their concentration is on the road ahead.

Level 3

In a car that meets level 3 automation standards, drivers can safely take their eyes off the road. The car is self-driving and can handle most circumstances without the need for a driver's intervention. They would, however, only work in specific circumstances. In addition to having a mobile data connection or GPS, the camera view must not be obscured, and the weather must be clear. Furthermore, at level 3, the driver must be prepared to act. Traffic jam chauffeur is a Level 3 autonomous driving technology that assists the car in driving in slow stop-and-go traffic. Fully automated driving with an automated lane-keeping system, for example, would have to fulfill international requirements.

Level 4

Things start to get more interesting on level 4. The automated technology is sufficiently advanced in this case that the vehicle may or may not have a steering wheel. The driver of a car equipped with level 4 technology can safely sleep or even get out of the driver's seat. The feature, however, would only be available in certain regions or in specific circus poses. If the driver fails to reclaim control, these vehicles will cancel the trip and park safely. Level 4 is most likely found in a robotized taxi and delivery services operating in a specific area.

Level 5

A car equipped with Level 5 autonomous driving technology does not require any human interaction. A level 5 vehicle would be fully automated and capable of operating on any surface and in every weather condition.

While level 4 autonomous vehicle technology is now being used in various parts of the world, it is still in its early stages. In the not-too-distant future, level 5 is projected to become a reality. Some automakers predicted that level 5 technology would be available and in use by 2021-2022. However, due to the difficulty of obtaining that level of technology and the ongoing discussion over the hand-off between machines and humans, Level 5 is still a long way off.

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