[ad_1]
What are the levels of automation?
SAE International defines six levels of automation, numbered Zero to Five.
Levels Zero to Two require the driver to be active at all times, with their hands on the wheel and attention on the road.
It opens with systems limited to warning or temporarily assisting the driver, such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot warnings, or lane departure warnings.
Level One includes systems that can provide steering, acceleration or braking support, such as lane centering or active cruise control – but with only one system active at any time.
Systems that can activate one or more Level One assists simultaneously are deemed Level Two.
Level Three is the first to be considered autonomous driving; allowing a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel.
Such systems can drive a vehicle under a specific set of conditions, and will not operate unless all of those conditions are met. Mercedes’ Drive Pilot, for example, only works at speeds up to 40mph, on pre-determined motorways, in daylight, and in clear weather.
Drivers must also be ready to take back control at a moment’s notice, such as if it starts raining, or as they approach roadworks.
Level Four allows the driver to completely switch off – and for vehicles to omit a steering wheel and pedals – but remains bound to the same environmental conditions as Level Three systems.
Level Five, the ultimate level of autonomy, allows a vehicle to drive itself anywhere, in any conditions.
Additional reporting by Jack Warrick
[ad_2]
