Supply Chain Digital Magazine May 2023 | Page 138

Autonomous driving levels explained

Autonomous driving levels explained

Self-driving development is an incremental endeavour . SAE International – formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers – is a US-based global professional standards organisation for engineering professionals across various industries and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration SAE International recognises six levels of vehicular automation .

0-2

At Levels 0 , 1 , and 2 , the driver must be engaged at all times . The vehicle supports the driver with basic features , such as automatic steering , acceleration , deceleration / braking , and cruise control .

3-4

Levels 3 and 4 include additional features that allow the vehicle to drive under certain conditions . However , at Level 3 , the driver must be ready to take over when the feature requests .

5

Finally , at Level 5 , the vehicle can drive under all conditions without any assistance . Level 5 is the automation ‘ north star ’ but it is currently unattainable because the technology is not there yet . Currently , self-driving developers are focusing on Level 4 , where the vehicle can drive under most conditions along specific corridors . Remote operators will handle the remaining ‘ edge cases ’, where human intervention is needed .
Autonomous and driven trucks must co-exist He also outlines an AV hub-to-hub model , which will allow autonomous trucks ( ATs ) to operate alongside those driven by people . “ This model achieves synergies that benefit carriers , drivers , and AV developers ,” he says in the introduction to the paper . “ Instead , he continues , it will become “ an essential component of supply chains that helps satisfy growing demand , while offering drivers better working conditions ”. Autonomous trucking will not be a dispensable service that simply aims at