By Tech Brew Staff
less than 3 min read
Definition:
Autonomous vehicles use technology that either partially or completely automates driving tasks typically handled by human drivers. They’re classified under a system defined by how much human intervention they require, ranging from Level 0 (no automated features with complete control required by the driver) to Level 5, which are fully automated and require no support from a human.
The technologies that enable automation include radar sensors, light detection and ranging (lidar), cameras, artificial intelligence, and other features. AV systems use AI to simulate real-world driving conditions. AI algorithms process data from the vehicle’s sensors and use that information to make decisions about how the AV drives.
Level up
At present, Level 5 AVs aren’t available to the public, as the technology remains under development. Level 4 AVs––which, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers’ classification system, can operate autonomously but allow a driver to take control if needed––are available today for limited use cases and applications. AVs with various capabilities are being developed and deployed for numerous uses: Automakers, for example, offer hands-free highway driving systems via advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS. Robotaxi companies like Waymo are offering driverless rides to the public (and observers are watching Tesla’s efforts to launch its own robotaxi service). Autonomous trucks are running logistics and delivery routes.
Car trouble
The technology has also come under intense scrutiny over safety incidents; one of the most high-profile examples happened in October 2023, when a Cruise robotaxi struck and dragged a pedestrian who had already been hit by a human-operated vehicle. GM, Cruise’s majority owner, announced at the end of 2024 that it would shutter Cruise and instead focus its autonomy efforts on ADAS.
Other notable players in the AV industry include Zoox, May Mobility, Aurora, Kodiak, Gatik, Pony.AI, Plus, Motional, Waabi, and Nuro, among others.
