ADAS: What are the 6 levels of autonomous driving
What's the story
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are revolutionizing our driving experience, providing a host of features aimed at avoiding collisions on roads and improving autonomous driving.
These systems are classified into six levels, ranging from Level 0 to Level 5, each denoting a different stage of automation.
Let's take a closer look at what each level means and how it affects the driving experience.
Initial stage
Level 0: No Driving Automation
Level 0, or "No Driving Automation," indicates a manually controlled vehicle where the driver is responsible for its operation.
This level includes features like reversing cameras and sensors, blind spot warnings, automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control (ESC), and anti-lock braking system (ABS).
These features don't directly control the vehicle's operations but assist in driving safely.
First automation
Level 1: Driver Assistance
Level 1, also called "Driver Assistance," is where automotive automation begins.
At this stage, systems begin taking control of certain driving functions to help the driver in certain situations. However, the driver is still completely responsible for driving.
Level 1 ADAS includes features such as adaptive cruise control, which employs radar sensors to keep a check on and maintain the distance of the vehicle from another car in front.
Semi-autonomous
Level 2: Partial Driving Automation
Level 2, or "Partial Driving Automation," is where the vehicle begins to take control of steering, acceleration, and deceleration.
It includes features such as auto parking and others that allow the car to accelerate, brake, and steer on its own.
However, the driver has to remain alert and in the driver's seat at all times.
Tesla's Autopilot is an example of Level 2 ADAS feature.
Advanced stage
Level 3: Conditional Driving Automation
Level 3, or "Conditional Driving Automation," is where the car's systems leverage multiple driver assistance functions and AI to make informed decisions.
The vehicle can handle steering, braking, and acceleration while letting the driver do other things. However, they need to be ready to take control whenever the system requires.
Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot is a fully-certified Level 3 autonomous driving system in Germany.
Near-autonomous
Level 4: High Driving Automation
Level 4, or "High Driving Automation," is a stage where the car can take decisions on its own in most situations.
These vehicles can drive themselves but are typically geofenced, meaning they're limited to certain regions.
However, the driver still has the option to take manual control of the car if required.
So far, Level 4 ADAS tech has been mostly witnessed in the taxi industry.
Fully autonomous
Level 5: Full Driving Automation
Level 5, aka "Full Driving Automation," is where no human intervention or oversight is needed.
These vehicles don't even have pedals or other controls like a steering wheel.
The only thing these cars require from humans is the destination input.
They are not available to the general public as of now, but are being developed around the world.