Autonomous driving

From level 1 to 5
10-01-2023

Autonomous driving and the associated driving assistance systems are becoming increasingly important in vehicle development, but also for consumers. While politicians are setting the legal course, HELLA is focusing on components that make autonomous driving safe for traffic and are future-proof at every level.

 

The keypoints in short

  • Autonomous driving is currently legally divided into five levels. These levels chart the path from assisted to fully independent driving.
  • Levels 1 and 2 of autonomous driving are already seen on the road in Germany and are supported by HELLA with components for driver assistance systems.
  • According to the German government, the other levels will also be implemented in a timely manner in the future, for example in goods transportation or in local public transport.

 

 

No autonomous driving without connectivity

The technological foundations for any autonomous driving are powerful sensors and powerful connectivity between vehicles and infrastructure. These include in detail:

 

  • Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) – infrastructure understanding through driver assistance
  • Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) – information exchange between vehicles
  • Vehicle to Cloud (V2C) – connection of a vehicle to a cloud system
  • Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P) – communicating with pedestrians via mobile communications

 

HELLA develops highly sensitive sensors and light signalling systems for autonomous vehicles and thus supports the promising path towards full autonomous driving with hardware and software.

Autonomy from Level 1 to 5

Autonomous driving is commonly divided into five categories, which represent the different levels of automated driving assistance systems in ascending order. Autonomous driving level 0 refers to the well-known scenario of driving without any driving assistance at all. Level 1 and 2 are already part of everyday life for many people and are therefore legally permitted. For the autonomous driving of levels 3 to 5, legal foundations must be created, and technological developments completed.

 

Level 1: Assisted driving
In the case of level 1 autonomous driving, the responsibility lies solely with the driver, both in terms of driving technology and in legal terms. Various driver assistance systems are helpful, but they only intervene to a very limited extent. Typical examples are cruise control, automatic distance control, lane departure warning and lane change assistant.

Side mirror with warning symbol

The lane change assistant informs the driver about possible dangers during lane change and has the aim to avoid accidences.

Level 2: Partially automated, assisted driving
At the second level of autonomous driving, the vehicle can take control for a predefined period of time thanks to a combination of sensors and systems. The driver can let go of the steering wheel during certain actions, but they must always be ready to intervene and also bear the legal responsibility. Examples of an autonomous driving function at level 2 are the automatic parking assistant, overtaking assistant or lane keeping system.

 

Level 3: Automated driving
Level 3 autonomous driving is likely to be seen on the roads in Germany soon. At this level, the driver assistance systems can take full control in predefined use cases and react to traffic situations. The driver must always be ready to intervene at level 3 autonomous driving, but they are prompted to do so by the vehicle. Otherwise, they may turn their attention away from the traffic and the task of driving for a short time.

 

Level 4: Fully automated driving
At level 4 autonomous driving, the driver becomes predominantly a passenger. The system can steer fully automatically and handle almost all traffic situations on its own. At the beginning of 2021, Germany became the first country in the world to adopt legal regulations for autonomous driving without a driver. Therefore, fourth stage systems are likely to be used soon in shuttle traffic, in logistics or delivery services. Some agricultural machines already drive independently across the fields.

Autonomous delivery vehicle

In logistics the automation plays a significant role.

Level 5: Autonomous driving
The fifth level of autonomous driving is the final one and enables driving without any human intervention. Occupants are only passengers at this level, or they are no longer necessary at all, for example for automated parking or for delivery services without a driver. Both legally and technically, level 5 autonomous driving is still a long way off. However, HELLA and leading car manufacturers are working on ensuring that this stage of autonomous driving will also be reached soon.

 

Conclusion: Autonomous driving is on its way!
There is no question that autonomous vehicles will soon be on the roads in Germany and across the world. The only question is when. One thing is certain: digitalization and automation are among the most important topics in vehicle development.

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