Are we there yet? 5 degrees of autonomy
Although full self-driving cars are still some time away, researchers are getting closer
Although we are all waiting for the arrival of fully self-driving cars that will take us anywhere, anytime, in any weather, simply by telling them where we want to go, there’s a lot of confusion about what the word “autonomous” means when applied to a car.
A variety of dictionary definitions of the word don’t offer much help, as most apply to either people, states or living organisms, not cars.
The most relevant, so far as cars are concerned, would seem to be: “independent and having the power to make its own decisions.” And “undertaken or carried on without outside control.”
The situation is not helped by a plethora of claims from various automakers promoting technologies that would suggest “autonomous” driving capabilities — either now or in the very near future — without fully defining them.
The fact is, many do offer varying degrees of semi-autonomy within very limited and specific conditions. The problem for customers is knowing just what those capabilities and limitations are, since they may be relegated to the fine print rather than prominently proclaimed.
To help clarify the situation, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established a policy on the subject that defines five levels of automation, from no autonomy at all to no driver input at all.
Level 0: No automation The driver is in complete and sole control of the primary vehicle controls — brake, steering, throttle and motive power — at all times.
No new vehicles fit into this category, since safety features such as ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are mandated as standard equipment — both of which automatically override specific elements of driver control in some circumstances.
That said, there are still many pre-2012 vehicles on the road that satisfy this definition.
Level 1: Function-specific automation Automation at this level involves one or more specific control functions. Examples include electronic stability control or pre-charged brakes — sometimes called Brake Assist — where the vehicle automatically assists with braking to enable the driver to regain control of the vehicle or stop faster than possible by acting alone.
All new light-duty vehicles on the market today would, at minimum, achieve this level of autonomy be- cause they include ESC, although many go much further.
Level 2: Combined function automation This level involves automation of at least two primary control functions designed to work in unison to relieve the driver of control of those functions.
An example of combined functions enabling a Level 2 system is adaptive cruise control in combination with lane monitoring.
A significant proportion of new cars, trucks and utility vehicles fall into this category — or at least have the potential to do so, depending on what options the buyer chooses.
Level 3: Limited self-driving automation Vehicles at this level of automation enable the driver to cede full control of all safety-critical functions, including steering, under certain traffic or environmental conditions.
The driver is expected to be available to take control as needed, with a comfortable transition time. Many new cars fit into this category, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Tesla Model S among the most advanced.
Most such systems are still limited to primarily highway driving and favourable weather conditions.
Level 4: Full self-driving automation The vehicle is designed to perform all safety-critical driving functions and monitor roadway conditions for an entire trip. Such a design anticipates that the driver will provide destination or navigation input, but is not expected to be available for control at any time during the trip. This includes both occupied and unoccupied vehicles.
This level is the Holy Grail of autonomous vehicle research and development — effectively a fully robotic car you can summon remotely to pick you up and drop you off at your destination, or even shuttle your kids to and from school.
It is the stuff of dreams and science fiction. And it’s getting close to reality.
But no vehicles satisfying these criteria are available to the public yet.
Multiple automakers, as well as non-auto entities such as Apple, Google and Uber are experimenting with such vehicles in real-world operation, including less-than-ideal driving environments.
One of the biggest challenges to overcome is operation in severe weather conditions — such as Canadian winters.
Progress continues to be made toward full Level 4 autonomy and it will ultimately be achieved. But the question remains: how long until we get there?