What are the levels of driving automation?
The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) have created a classification standard for the levels of automation in vehicles. With five levels spanning from no driving automation features to full driving automation, our roads are mostly filled with vehicles that only have partial driving assistance features. The six levels of automation are: Level 0: No Automation. The driver of the vehicle is in control of everything, and must always be attentive. Level 1: Assisted Driving Automation. With minimal assistance, the driver must still remain attentive, though the vehicle has features such as adaptive cruise control and/or parking sensors. Level 2: Partial Automation. The vehicle is equipped with more assistance features including those found in level 1, but the vehicle is capable of self-driving under very specific circumstances. Level 3: Conditional Automation. While the car can take control of operations, the driver must be attentive and prepared to take control of the vehicle at any moment. Level 4: High Automation. While the driver can take control of the vehicle if they want to, the car can operate itself under specific situations without intervention. Level 5: Full Automation. These vehicles can drive themselves, no driver necessary. These vehicles possibly may not be equipped with a gas pedal or a steering wheel. The roads currently are mostly filled with Level 1 vehicles, with limited driving assistance systems, and with no ability for the car to operate itself. Tesla’s vehicles have taken a step further, many cars falling into Level 2 of automation. Further, in places such as Phoenix, Arizona, Autonomous Ride-Hailing services such as Waymo are testing out and allowing certain passengers to ride in fully autonomous taxis, or Level 5 vehicles.