Autonomous driving
The current status and the leading manufacturers at a glance
Autonomous or automated driving – or rather “being driven” – is considered one of the most exciting future technologies in the mobility sector. At the end of the 2010s, it was still being said in unison at the major motor shows: by 2025 at the latest, everything from the mid-range upwards will be driving almost by itself. But how far along is this technology really today? And who are the leading manufacturers? Let’s take a look at the status quo.
What does “autonomous driving” mean?
- Development is divided into five stages – from assistance systems to fully autonomous driving:
- Level 1: Driver assistance – e.g. adaptive cruise control or brake assistance.
- Level 2: Partial automation – the car can steer, brake and accelerate itself in certain situations. However, humans must constantly monitor it.
- Level 3: Conditional automation – in certain situations (e.g. on the highway), the driver may turn away from the traffic situation. The car drives autonomously, but the human driver must be able to intervene on demand.
- Level 4: High automation – the vehicle drives permanently autonomously in defined areas of use. A driver is optional.
- Level 5: Full automation – no driver required, the vehicle can drive anywhere independently.
Where do we stand today?
Currently, most of the systems available as standard are at level 2. Some models, such as those from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, are approaching level 3.
In 2022, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer worldwide to receive Level 3 approval in accordance with UN/ECE regulations – for its “Drive Pilot” system, initially in Germany. It allows autonomous driving up to 60 km/h on highways, for example in traffic jams. BMW also offers a similar system in the 7 Series.
Tesla relies heavily on software and camera data with its “Full Self-Driving” approach. The system is officially still level 2, but is constantly being expanded through regular over-the-air updates. However, critics criticize the misleading naming and call for stricter regulatory control.
Who is ahead internationally?
In the USA, tech companies such as Waymo (Alphabet/Google) and Cruise (General Motors) are developing autonomous robotaxi fleets, particularly in cities such as San Francisco and Phoenix. Some of these vehicles are already driving at level 4, albeit under clearly defined conditions (e.g. good weather, previously mapped area).
Apple, Amazon (with Zoox) and Baidu in China are also investing heavily in autonomous driving technologies. In China, robotaxis are already being tested in several major cities.
There is not yet a commercial robotaxi service in Germany. However, pilot projects are underway in several cities, such as Hamburg, Berlin and Munich, often as part of public transport and on fixed routes. The regulatory hurdles (road traffic regulations, liability, licensing) are high, but the Autonomous Driving Act of 2021 has created an initial legal framework for level 4 vehicles.
Challenges
Technically, autonomous driving is extremely complex: sensor technology (e.g. lidar, radar, cameras), real-time data processing, artificial intelligence and reliable communication with the infrastructure are required. There are also ethical, legal and insurance-related issues.
Science fiction is slowly becoming reality
Autonomous driving is no longer science fiction – but the road to the widespread introduction of Level 4 and 5 is still a long one. In the USA and China, robotaxi providers are pushing hard to enter the market. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are leading the way in Europe and are relying on a sensor mix of radar, LiDar and cameras, while Tesla is relying heavily on camera technology and scoring points with software innovation.
We are excited to see what the future holds and are already providing specific advice on all questions relating to (partially) automated driving.
