Six Levels of Freedom: what do the autopilot levels of the vehicle mean?

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You should not think that all the most primitive cars belong to the zero level of driving automation. Despite its low status in the hierarchy, it implies the existence of a number of modern systems. According to the classification of SAE J3016, the car must have, for example, a dead zone monitoring system, a warning function on leaving the occupied lane, or emergency automatic braking.

With a zero level of autopilot, the driver does everything himself. Electronic assistants only warn him about the threats. The only exception is self-braking. But it also does not work preventively, but only at the very last moment. As a rule, in this case, the system operates in a limited range of speeds. Often - only in the city when the car goes no faster than 30-37 mph.

The autopilot of the first level also does not do anything on its own. It is the duty of the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel, feet - on the pedals, to look at the road and in the mirror. Active security assistants are a bit smarter than zero-level machines. They help to stir up or accelerate/brake. But only one thing!

Thus, for assignment to the first level of automation a car needs only to have an adaptive cruise control, which maintains speed, taking into account the distance to the car driving ahead. For example, if, with a set by the driver speed of 100 km/h, the car in front drives with a speed of 90 km/h, the “cruise” will go 10 km/h slower than the set speed and enter it only when the lane is free. Or, instead of active cruise control, there may be a holding system in the lane. But not a banal "warning", but with the function of independent steering.

Level two is a smart cruise control and steering system working together. In Europe and Japan, they are now even placed on B-class hatchbacks of mass brands, not to mention premium and higher class cars. Simply put, the car of the third stage of automation in certain circumstances is able to drive itself, however, it still requires the driver to be fully vigilant: hands cannot be removed from the steering wheel.

The next level of autopilot (the third in numbering and fourth in a row) is the first to allow the driver to truly relax. By activating smart assistants, the person sitting behind the wheel is suspended from the machine control process. As a vivid example, adaptive cruise control with a function of movement in a traffic jam can be mentioned. The car itself understands when the flow starts, and also starts to go.

The autopilot of the third level is capable in conditions close and ideal. It needs - at least - good visibility of the markup. Systems of this class do not always adequately respond to an abnormal situation (for example, a car that has abruptly changed lanes), and are not able to stop at a red traffic light. If something goes wrong, the electronics will stop fulfilling its functions. The driver will hear a warning sound and will immediately take over control.

Today the autopilot of the third level has become the norm on expensive models, and not only on premium brands. For example, the latest generation of Volkswagen Touareg and some other cars of this brand have these features.

The fourth and the highest fifth levels of driving automation are not yet implemented on production vehicles. These types are able to ride without a person's safety net in a variety of conditions. The only difference is that the fourth stage is created with a view to work in closed areas or fixed routes (public transport, shuttles, factory or warehouse transport), and the fifth - as an absolutely independent system of the highest level of development.

Manufacturers claim that the equipment is fully prepared. That's just not yet clear who will be responsible in case of an accident. After all, the driver can rightfully sleep or read, and a car with an autopilot of this degree of development is allowed not to have a steering wheel and pedals.

Apparently, the legislative issue will soon be resolved, and the next decade in the automotive industry will be held under the banner of autopilot and electric cars.