Understanding 6 Levels of Autonomous Driving: From Level 0 to 5

Autonomous driving is the technology that allows cars to drive independently without needing a human to control them. These cars use sensors, cameras, & smart systems to make decisions and drive safely on the roads. This technology can help drive safer, reduce traffic jams, & make transportation more efficient. To understand how autonomous cars work, it's important to know about the different levels of driving automation. 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have five levels, from no automation to complete automation. These levels, defined by experts, explain how much control the driver has over driving tasks, from the driver doing everything to the car driving completely. Understanding these levels helps us know what to expect as self-driving cars become more common in the future.

The 6 Different Autonomous Driving Levels

These levels suggest how much control a driverless vehicle has. 

• ADAS Level 0: No automation

At level 0, the car has no autonomous functions. The driver is responsible for everything, including control, braking, and speed. The car may have basic features such as cruise control, but it does not help drive. The vehicle is always under the control of the driver.

• ADAS Level 1: Driver Assistance

At level 1, a driver assistant can help with some tasks, but the driver still has complete control. The car has features such as cruise control or lane-keeping assistance. However, these features can only control speed & steering, both at the same time. The driver needs to be careful & ready to take control in emergencies.

• ADAS Level 2: Partial Automation

At ADAS Level 2, the car can control the steering & speed together, but the driver should be attentive and be ready to take action at any time. This is a step up from level 1, as the car tackles more complex tasks, but the human driver still has to take care of driving.

• ADAS Level 3: Conditional Automation

At level 3, the car can handle all aspects of driving (including environmental monitoring) under certain conditions. However, the driver must still be available to take control if the system requests it. The car itself can drive in specific scenarios, such as highway driving. Still, when things go outside the system's abilities (such as bad weather or complex traffic), it requires human interference.

• ADAS Level 4: High Automation

At ADAS Level 4, the car can drive completely under certain conditions or environments (for example, urban areas or geo-captured areas) without the need for a driver to intervene. The car tackles all driving tasks, including emergency responses. However, level 4 driverless vehicles are still limited to specific scenarios, and outside these scenarios, a human driver is still necessary.

• ADAS Level 5: Complete Automation

At level 5, the car is completely autonomous and can work without any human intervention under any circumstances. There is no need for the driver, and the car can handle all driving tasks in all environments, weather, and traffic conditions. There is no control for the driver (no steering wheel or paddle), as the vehicle is completely autonomous.

Regulations and Challenges

Autonomous driving technology is developing quickly, but rules for how these self-driving cars should be used are still being created.

• Key Legal & Safety Challenges

1. Liability (Responsibility for Accidents):

When an autonomous car has an accident, it's unclear who is at fault. 

• Is it the car company that made the vehicle? 
• Is it the company that created the car's software?
• Is it the person who is sitting in the car (if there is one)? 

Deciding who is responsible is a big problem. This issue is very important because it affects things like insurance & legal responsibility (who gets punished if something goes wrong). 

a. Safety Standards

Self-driving cars must be very safe to drive on the road. This means they need to be able to handle both everyday driving & emergencies. These cars need to go through stringent tests to ensure they work well in controlled places (like special test tracks) & real life (on actual roads). If they pass these tests, then they are allowed to drive on public roads.

b. Cybersecurity

Driverless vehicles rely heavily on software & sensors to navigate, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Potential risks include unauthorized access, data breaches, and manipulation of vehicle behaviour. Protecting self-driving vehicles from cyberattacks is a priority for both car manufacturers & government regulators. So it's essential to implement robust security measures such as regular software updates, secure communication protocols, and intrusion detection systems.

c. Infrastructure Compatibility

In many places, road & traffic systems are not yet ready for autonomous cars. To accommodate AVs, significant upgrades are necessary, including enhanced roadway designs, smart traffic signals, and robust digital infrastructure. Collaboration between government bodies and automotive manufacturers is essential to modernize infrastructure, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of AVs.​

• Ethical Issues & Public Concerns

1. Ethical Dilemmas

Autonomous cars, or self-driving cars, have to make decisions quickly, especially in situations where accidents can't be avoided. One of the big questions is: Who should the car protect in these situations?

For example, if the car is about to crash, should it prioritize saving the person inside the car, or should it try to protect pedestrians, even if that means the person in the car might get hurt?

This is a tough moral problem because it involves making life-or-death decisions. There isn't a clear answer, and different people have different opinions on what the car should do.

These are tricky questions that experts are still trying to figure out.

Autonomous cars can withstand tough moral problems. For example, if an accident is inevitable, how should the car decide who is injured? Will it protect the person in the car or save the lives of pedestrians? These are difficult questions that experts are still trying to figure out.

2. Trust & Public Perception

Even though autonomous cars could make roads safer and reduce traffic, many people are still worried about trusting them. Accidents involving these cars have made people unsure about their safety.

3. Job Losses

Autonomous cars could take away jobs in areas like trucking, taxi services, & delivery. Many people are worried about losing their jobs because of this technology. The government needs to find ways to support these workers. They need to offer training for new jobs and create new work opportunities in the car manufacturing industry.

The Future Projections of Autonomous Driving Level

• When Will Autonomous Cars Become Common?

Driverless cars are still evolving. But yes, in the coming years, we may see cars that can drive themselves in certain situations (ADAS Level 3) or areas (ADAS Level 4). This depends on how fast the technology improves & how quickly new rules are made.

• Impact of full automation on urban mobility & society

Autonomous driving levels will change how we move in cities. They will reduce traffic, prevent accidents, & make travel quicker. These self-driving cars will also help elderly and disabled people travel on their own. In fact, public transport will become more flexible and easier to use. 

• What New Technologies Are Coming for Autonomous Cars?

For autonomous cars to work well, advanced devices like cameras & special radars play a major role. They will help cars see things around them more clearly. And AI will help them make safe driving decisions. In the future, these cars will be capable of communicating with one another & managing traffic signals to enhance safety and make travel more efficient. These new technologies will play a big role in keeping everyone safe while driving.

Conclusion 

Autonomous driving technology is divided into six ADAS levels, from Level 0 to Level 5. These levels describe how much control the car has over driving. Autonomous cars can make roads safer, reduce traffic, & make travelling easier. They follow traffic rules better than humans, which can help avoid accidents. These cars can also help people who can't drive.

However, there are still some challenges! There is no right set of rules or technologies to completely rely on driverless vehicles. These issues must be solved before autonomous cars can become common on the roads.

FAQs Related to Autonomous Driving

What is ADAS level? ADAS levels show how much control a car's technology has while driving. They range from Level 0 to Level 5. The higher the level, the less the driver needs to do, with Level 5 being fully automated, where the car drives itself without any help from the driver.

Is Level 5 autonomous driving legal? No, Level 5 autonomous driving is not legal. Many regions are still testing & developing regulations before it can be fully allowed.

How is Level 3 automation different from Level 4? In Level 3, the car can handle most driving tasks. But the driver must be ready to take control (if needed). On the other hand, the car can drive on its own in specific conditions in Level 4. The driver need not intervene. 

What is autonomous driving, and how does it work? Autonomous driving refers to self-driving cars that can drive themselves with minimal or no human input. They use sensors, cameras, radar, & advanced software to navigate, detect obstacles, and make decisions like braking or steering.

How safe are autonomous vehicles compared to human drivers? Autonomous vehicles are generally considered safer than human drivers. They are designed to avoid common human mistakes like distracted driving, fatigue, or speeding. However, they are still being tested & developed to improve in complex situations.

Is investing in a Level 2 or Level 3 car worth it today? Yes, buying a Level 2 or Level 3 driverless car is worth it today. These cars have helpful ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, & some automated driving. However, you must stay alert and be ready to take control of the car if necessary.

Are Level 4 and Level 5 vehicles worth the hype? Yes, Level 4 & Level 5 vehicles are worth the hype. They offer the potential for full self-driving without human involvement. However, these technologies are still being developed & are not yet widely available. The "hype" might not match reality for now, but they hold a promising driving future.