Fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) driving on public roads has been a subject of fascination for decades. There has been significant progress on that front as well, yet their widespread deployment remains elusive.
The autonomy of AVs is classified on a 5-level scale. Here, level 1 implies no autonomy and level 5 is full autonomy.
When can we expect level 5 AVs to hit the roads?
Also Read: 6 Levels of Autonomous Vehicles Categorization Explained
Explore some criteria impacting the reality of fully autonomous vehicles hitting the road.
Several factors, such as technological developments, rules and regulations, infrastructure readiness, and societal acceptance influence the timeline.
Current Technological Progress
Tesla and Waymo are two well-known US-based examples of AV manufacturers in the market. They mostly operate within level 2 and level 4 based on the scenario. They rely on various sensors, ML algorithms, and high-level processors to navigate roads.
Despite these advancements, reaching level 5 poses major challenges. A fully autonomous vehicle must operate safely in conditions that depend on factors such as weather, human behavior, and more.
A controlled environment for these vehicles to operate is more of a likely scenario in the near future. But universal deployment involves being able to seamlessly navigate uncontrolled scenarios which is still far away.
Readiness of Infrastructure
Level 5 AVs require infrastructure capable of supporting their operation. Smart traffic systems, 5G or stronger connectivity, and high-definition maps are all essential for real-time decision making.
Highly developed countries, that too in limited urban areas, are likely to witness the implementation of the first AVs. The timeline for that depends on the investments by local and national bodies.
Governmental Rules and Regulations
Speaking of authority, governments and other regulatory agencies must establish safety standards and liability frameworks for fully autonomous vehicles.
There is a dearth of complex legal questions that have to be addressed regarding data privacy, determining faults in accidents, and more. Some nations, such as the US and China, have already commenced drafting regulations for AVs.
Naturally, every country will have its own set of regulations. Accordingly, rollout of fully autonomous vehicles is expected.
Public Acceptance of Fully Autonomous Vehicles
Lastly, and perhaps one of the most important factors is promoting public trust in fully autonomous vehicles. There are many questions from the public that must be answered related to safety and security.
Additionally, economic factors will determine how well AVs sell. Automakers have to balance the cost of their vehicles with affordability for consumers.
Closing Thoughts
In a nutshell, semi-autonomous features (upto level 2) are currently rolled out into the market and are expected to dominate in the near future. Fully autonomous vehicles can only be rolled out once an array of criteria is fulfilled as listed above.
