Q&A

Self-Driving Cars: What, Where, When and How

From a non-engineer to non-engineers

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

What is a self-driving car?

Self-driving car (autonomous car) is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and moving safely with little or no human input.

There are 5 levels of driving automation:

Source: SAE International

Level 0

• No autonomous systems, apart from implemented notification system — signal boards, sounds, etc.
• The conventional cars
• Human is responsible

Level 1

• “hands on”
• The car is driven by the driver, but automated systems (automated braking or a warning of a lane crossing) can work.
• Human is responsible

Level 2

• “pay attention”
• The car would have at least 2 of an automated functions. For instance, it could be cruise control and automated braking.
• The car can operate mostly without a driver. However, the driver must pay…