Making Autonomous Vehicles safer for Future

main-moderator Nov 17, 2018 | 23015 Views
  • Autonomous Vehicles

Share with:


Autonomous Vehicles are cars or trucks in which human drivers are not required to control or safely operate the vehicle. Also known as Self-driving or “driver-less” cars, they combine sensors and software to control, navigate, and drive the vehicle.Though still in its infancy, self-driving technology is becoming could transform our transportation system (and by extension, our economy and society).

How they work?

Various self-driving technologies are being developed. Almost all major Technology and Automotive giants are working to find the edge in what is being judged as the future of Transportation. Though design and details vary, most self-driving systems work on similar technology concepts. Google, Uber, Tesla, Nissan, and other major automakers, researchers, and technology companies are driving innovations in this area. 

Maps, Sensors and High Density Camera's

In general terms, Autonomous Vehicles maintain an internal map of their surroundings, based on a wide array of sensors, like Radar and LidarUber’sself-driving prototypes use sixty-four laser beams, along with other sensors, to construct their internal map; Google’s prototypes have, at various stages, used lasers, radar, high-powered cameras, and sonar.

Technology

Software then processes those inputs, plots a path, and sends instructions to the vehicle’s “actuators,” which control acceleration, braking, and steering. Hard-coded rules, obstacle avoidance algorithms, predictive modeling, and “smart” object discrimination (ie, knowing the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle) help the software follow traffic rules and navigate obstacles. Partially-autonomous vehicles may require a human driver to intervene if the system encounters uncertainty; fully-autonomous vehicles may not even offer a steering wheel.Self-driving cars can be further distinguished as being “connected” or not, indicating whether they can communicate with other vehicles and/or infrastructure, such as next generation traffic lights. 

Autonomous Vehicles - Core Technologies

Sensors Technology and How they Work

For a fully Automated driving to prevail, driverless vehicles will need to exceed the capabilities of Human Drivers. Different types of sensors of their environment - in a more foresighted way than a human ever could.

Ultrasonic Sensors - Imitating the navigation process of Bats, Ultrasonic sensors trigger sound waves. When these waves hit an object they produce echoes revealing the location of the Obstacle. Autonomous vehicles use these sensors to detect obstacles in the immediate vicinity be it other vehicles, pedestrians or bollards. They play a critical role in automated parking.

Image Sensors - High Density cameras generate images of the vehicle's surroundings, imitating human sight.  These high density camera's are also capable of 3D Vision which allows determination of the Range. Contrary to other sensors,  these camera's can detect colors and fonts and therefore, able to interpret Traffic Signs, Traffic Lights or Lane Markings. They also act as backup systems, should any of the Sensors fail increasing the vehicles system security.

Radar Sensors - Known primarily for its use in navigation systems for Ships and Planes, Radio Detection and Ranging systems send out electromagnetic waves.  If these waves hit an obstacle, the waves are reflected revealing the distance and speed of the approaching object. Short and Long Range radars are deployed all around the Autonomous Vehicle.  This allows the vehicle to track the nearby vehicles speed and distance real-time. They also contribute to the safety of the vehicle by increasing the redundancy of the Autonomous Driving Systems.

Lidar Sensors - Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) sensors scan the environment with a non-visible laser beam. The low intensity, non-harmful beam visualizes objects and measures ranges creating a 3D Image of the Car's Environment. Combined the data from the Camera's these LIDAR sensors allow obstacles to be accurately identified - Ex: a Moving Vehicle or a Pedestrian in the direction of the Vehicle.

Automated Driving Systems

The automated driving system is generally an integrated package of individual automated systems operating in concert. Automated driving implies that humans as driver have giving up the ability to drive (i.e., all appropriate monitoring, agency, and action functions) to the vehicle automation system. Even though the driver may be alert and ready to take action at any moment, giving up the ability to the integrated automation system is still the core concept.

Source: Automated Technology Hierarchy - Wikipedia

Automated driving systems are often conditional, which implies that the automation system is capable of automated driving, but not for all conditions encountered in the course of normal operation. Therefore, a human is functionally required to initiate the automated driving system, and may or may not do so when driving conditions are within the capability of the system. When the vehicle automation system has assumed all driving functions, the human is no longer driving the vehicle but continues to assume responsibility for the vehicle's performance as the vehicle operator. The automated vehicle operator is not functionally required to actively monitor the vehicle's performance while the automation system is engaged, but the operator resume driving within several seconds of being prompted to do so, as the system has limited conditions of automation. While the automated driving system is engaged, certain conditions may prevent real-time human input, but for no more than a few seconds. When the operator has resumed all driving functions, he or she re-assumes the status of the vehicle's driver.

Levels of automation

The U.S Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) provided a standard classification system in 2013 which defined five different levels of automation, ranging from level 0 (no automation) to level 4 (full automation). Since then, the NHTSA updated their standards to be in line with the classification system defined by SAE International. SAE International defines six different levels of automation in their new standard of classification in document SAE J3016 that ranges from 0 (no automation) to 5 (full automation)

Level 0 – No automation: The driver is in complete control of the vehicle and the system does not interfere with driving. Systems that may fall into this category are forward collision warning systemsand lane departure warning systems.

Level 1 – Driver Assistance: The driver is in control of the vehicle, but the system can modify the speed and steering direction of the vehicle. Systems that may fall into this category are adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.

Level 2 – Partial Automation: The driver must be able to control the vehicle if corrections are needed, but the driver is no longer in control of the speed and steering of the vehicle. Parking assistance is an example of a system that falls into this category along with Tesla's autopilot feature. A system that falls into this category is the DISTRONIC PLUS system created by Mercedes-Benz. It is important to note the driver must not be distracted in Level 0 to Level 2 modes.

Level 3 – Conditional Automation: The system is in complete control of vehicle functions such as speed, steering, and monitoring the environment under specific conditions. A driver must be ready to intervene, when requested by the system to do so. If the driver does not respond, an accident may happen. Hence, the driver is only allowed to be partially distracted, such as checking text messages, but taking a nap is not allowed.

Level 4 – High Automation: The system is in complete control of the vehicle and human presence is no longer needed, but its applications are limited to specific conditions. An example of a system that falls into this category is the Google car. If the actual motoring condition exceeds the performance boundaries, the system does not necessarily have to ask the human to intervene. It could choose to stop the car in a safe manner.

Level 5 – Full Automation: The system is in complete control of the vehicle and human presence is no longer needed. The system is capable of providing the same aspects of a level 4, but the system can operate in all driving conditions. The human is equivalent to "cargo" in Level 5. Currently, there are no driving systems at this level.

Benefits and Impact

The costs and benefits of self-driving cars are still largely hypothetical. More information is needed to fully assess how they’ll impact drivers, the economy, equity, and environmental and public health.

Safety is an overarching concern. Many thousands of people die in motor vehicle crashes every year in the United States (more than 30,000 in 2015); self-driving vehicles could, hypothetically, reduce that number—software could prove to be less error-prone than humans—but cyber security is still a chief concern.

Equity is another major consideration. Self-driving technology could help mobilize individuals who are unable to drive themselves, such as the elderly or disabled. But the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could also displace millions of Americans employed as drivers, negatively impact public transportation funding, and perpetuate the current transportation system’s injustices.

Environmental impacts are a serious concern, and a major uncertainty. Accessible, affordable, and convenient self-driving cars could increase the total number of miles driven each year. If those vehicles are powered by gasoline, then transportation-related climate emissions could skyrocket. If, however, the vehicles are electrified—and paired with a clean electricity grid—then transportation emissions could drop, perhaps significantly.

To the extent that electrified self-driving cars enable more shared rides (for example, through services such as Lyft or Uber), emissions could drop even further.

The Union of Concerned Scientists has worked on transportation-related policy issues for decades, and advocates for equitable, low-pollution vehicles, fuels, and infrastructure. In February 2017 we released a policy brief that outlines the challenges and benefits of self-driving technology, and that includes seven principles for policy makers, companies, and other stakeholders to use as guides.

Future Trends

Autonomous vehicle or driver-less car or self-driving car and supporting technology market is expected to be grow tremendously in the coming decades. Currently, many major players are contributing in the development of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles. Since, 1980s companies are working on various prototype to make the autonomous vehicle a reality. According to a study conducted by AT Kearney and Boston Consulting Group.  Autonomous Vehicles market is expected to be US $85 billion by the end of forecast period (2025) and expected to reach US $550 billion by 2035. Currently all the prototypes are being tested in the R&D centers of various automobile company, universities and expected to launch the autonomous vehicles by 2020.

The global market for Autonomous Vehicles Market is expected to grow over the CAGR of 26.2% during the period 2018 to 2027

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, addressing the mechanics of the Autonomous Vehicles as well as its benefits and potential issues, it is quite interesting to see how the world will actually become by the year 2040.  It is without any doubt that Autonomous Vehicles offer a huge potential but it also has a plethora of real life challenges which needs to be solved including creation or availability of an environment which fully supports such a system.  Until then, It is truly in the reader’s discretion to determine and weigh the impacts that the Autonomous Vehicles will have on society in the future. It is also fascinating to see the effects this creation will have on the countries in which it is legalized as well as on the people that have chosen to experiment with it.

Sources:
Autonomous Vehicles Sensors - http://www.thedrive.com/tech/8657/heres-how-the-sensors-in-autonomous-cars-work
Automated Driving Systems - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_driving_system
Future Trends: https://bs-uploads.toptal.io/blackfish-uploads/uploaded_file/file/749/image-1500413547696-520de4d8093bc762bc2acf312ad8861e.jpg

Comments (25 Comments)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Main Moderator Oct 31st, 2019
Dear Reader - Thank your for your input & point noted. Continuous Improvement is our Mission & we will surely these inputs as a part of our plan. Have you are also registered to Witanworld Community. Looking forward to your feedback also on the community Tools which have have created for you.
Largena Oct 31st, 2019
You can also put a chatbox on your blog for more interactivity among readers.
Tracy Oct 15th, 2019
I love what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I've incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
Kaylene Oct 15th, 2019
Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of info on your page. Im really impressed by your blog. Hi there, You have performed an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I am sure they'll be benefited from this site.
Sienna Quinn Jun 10th, 2019
I'm amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that's both equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few people are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy I stumbled across this during my search for something concerning this.
Candace Mar 19th, 2019
My brother recommended I may like this website. He was once totally right. This post actually made my day. You can't consider just how so much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
laura_cherry Mar 19th, 2019
Peculiar article, just what I wanted to find.
Gerald Steward Jan 25th, 2019
Hola! I've been reading your website for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!
Main Moderator Jan 24th, 2019
Dear Reader - We appreciate your feedback.
Marc Jan 22nd, 2019
I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!
Margaret Jan 5th, 2019
It's very effortless to find out any topic on net as compared to textbooks, as I found this post at this website.
Main Moderator Jan 5th, 2019
Thank you for the feedback.
dexter claflin Jan 4th, 2019
Greetings from California! I'm bored to death at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you provide here and can't wait to take a look when I get home. I'm surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, good blog!
Main Moderator Dec 22nd, 2018
Thank you Charlene, we appreciate your feedback.
Charlene Blunt Dec 20th, 2018
I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it's rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.
Main Moderator Oct 6th, 2018
Dear Reader, Thank you for your feedback. Continuous Improvement is our Motto, we will keep enhancing our topics. Register to Witanworld to keep yourselves updated on the latest developments and the launch of our community module.
Main Moderator Oct 6th, 2018
Dear Reader, Thank you for your feedback. Writers on Witanworld believe in providing an enriching audio visual experience. We also try to keep it Interactive and Engaging. So you see both Written and Visual content on based on your knowledge interests. Register to Witanworld to know more about latest developments and the launch of our community module.
Cynthia Dugas Oct 6th, 2018
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Meridun Rossil Oct 6th, 2018
I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have introduced on your post. They're really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for beginners. Could you please extend them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
Main Moderator Oct 5th, 2018
Dear Reader - Thank You.
Main Moderator Oct 5th, 2018
Dear Reader, Join Witanworld and watch for new topics, write articles, learn about new developments and also be the first to be a part of our community Journey. Learn more about the launch of our community module
Main Moderator Oct 5th, 2018
Dear Reader, Thank You for your feedback. We continue to improve on our writing on a regular basis. Join Witanworld and watch for new topics, developments and also be the first to be a part of our community Journey & Learn more about the launch of our community module
Main Moderator Oct 5th, 2018
Dear Jolie, Our objective on Witanworld is to give a comprehensive experience and make it visually interactive. Do you know that Witanworld is an Innovative Technology platform focused on Knowledge Based Networking. Join Witanworld today and watch for new topics, developments and Learn more about the launch of our community module.
Jolie Jeffery Oct 5th, 2018
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
dulcie sorlie Oct 4th, 2018
Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant paragraph.

Top Brands

People with similar interest

AB33 is a Trusted Online Casino Malaysia that offers a wide range of exciting games and the opportunity to play with real money. AB33's online casino Malaysia real money games include popular options such as slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more. The platform has a dedicated support team available 24/7 to assist with any inquiries or concerns. AB33 provides an immersive and rewarding online casino experience for players seeking the thrill of gambling with real money. https://ab33malaysia.com/
View Profile
Witan Search

I am looking for

Witan Search