Self-driving cars, or autonomous cars, are able to sense the environment around them and adjust their navigation without requiring human input. Their advanced technology includes GPS, radar, lidar, computer vision, and odometry to detect surroundings.
By the use of advanced control systems, self-driving cars can interpret the information and properly identify the correct navigation paths to avoid obstacles.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has published a proposed six-level classification system for automated vehicles based on the level of driver attentiveness and intervention that the vehicles require.
- Level 0: The automated system doesn’t control the vehicle, but might issue warnings.
- Level 1: At this level, you are required to be focused and ready to take control at any time. The system may have features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), and Parking Assistance with automated steering.
- Level 2: You will have acceleration, steering, and braking executed by the automated system, which can deactivate itself automatically once you take over. You are, however, required to detect issues should the system fail.
- Level 3: Limited and known environments like motorways are safe for you to turn your attention from driving.
- Level 4: Severe weather and other more difficult situations can’t be controlled by the system, but other environments are safe for you to enable the automated system. When you do so, your attention isn’t required.
- Level 5: This level requires no human intervention besides turning the system on and setting a destination.
Two years ago, Jaguar Land Rover announced the world’s first self-learning car. The objective was to reduce driver distraction and remove driving from the equation. By identifying the driver by phone or key, the car automatically adjusts to the user’s preference and learns their routine. Self-learning cars don’t just learn your music tastes; they adapt to traffic and suggest new routes, and ensure that your life is made easier.
Jaguar’s self-driving car was announced recently, taking a step closer to futuristic, science-fiction scenarios from films. They announced testing of a range of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technologies during the next four years. 100 research vehicles have been specially developed to aid in testing them on select open roads throughout the UK. The 3D technology in development will introduce new ways of driving a car, much like self-parking cars did.
While true self-driving cars may be a few years away, Jaguar Land Rover is sure to lead Land Rover lovers in the right direction.