What are the main levels of automation in self-driving cars?

The main levels of automation in self-driving cars are commonly categorized into five levels, known as the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Levels of Automation. These levels range from Level 0 to Level 5, representing increasing degrees of autonomy in the vehicle’s operation.

Long answer

1. Level 0 - No Automation: In this level, the vehicle is entirely controlled by a human driver. There is no automation involved, and all aspects of driving, such as steering, braking, and acceleration, are performed manually.

2. Level 1 - Driver Assistance: At this level, some basic automated systems assist the human driver with specific functions. Examples include adaptive cruise control (ACC), which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on traffic flow, or lane-keeping assistance (LKA), which helps the driver maintain their position within a lane.

3. Level 2 - Partial Automation: Level 2 introduces more advanced driver-assistance technologies that can simultaneously control multiple aspects of driving tasks. For example, vehicles at this level can combine functionalities like adaptive cruise control with lane-centering systems to offer more comprehensive support. However, a human driver must remain attentive and ready to take over control when required.

4. Level 3 - Conditional Automation: At Level 3, vehicles can operate autonomously under certain conditions but require a human driver to be ready to intervene when necessary. In specific situations or environments predetermined by the manufacturer, drivers can relinquish full responsibility for monitoring the road and allow the system to handle most driving tasks.

5. Level 4 - High Automation: Vehicles at this level have advanced capabilities that enable them to perform most driving tasks without human intervention under predefined operating conditions. While Level 4 vehicles offer increased autonomy in specific environments (e.g., geo-fenced areas or well-mapped highways), they still require human drivers for exceptional situations that fall outside their operational domain.

6. Level 5 - Full Automation: The highest level of automation, Level 5, represents vehicles that are fully autonomous in any driving condition or environment. These vehicles do not require human intervention at any time and can operate without a steering wheel, pedals, or any traditional driver controls. However, it is important to note that the deployment of Level 5 autonomous vehicles on public roads is yet to be achieved on a large scale.