There are different "Levels" of automation
To help everyone understand the different capabilities of vehicle automation and 'talk the same language', the car industry has adopted a series of "Levels" as an international standard.
You may hear some of these "Levels" mentioned in the news, in car showrooms or in conversations with friends and family.
"Level 0" - No Automation
In "Level 0" vehicles, the human driver is in control at all times, even when a specific aspect of the driving task is enhanced by technology.
For example, a vehicle with simple cruise control is a "Level 0" vehicle if the cruise control speed is set by the driver and remains unchanged until the driver chooses to change the setting or deactivate it.
Most vehicles you see on the road today are "Level 0" vehicles.
"Level 1" - Driver Assistance
In "Level 1" vehicles, a specific aspect of either steering or acceleration/braking are, under a limited set of circumstances, able to be undertaken by the vehicle. To do this, the vehicle uses some sensors to assist with the driver assistance feature.
The human driver remains in control of all the other aspects of driving at all times.
For example, a vehicle with dynamic cruise control is a "Level 1" vehicle if the vehicle automatically adjusts the cruise control speed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
An increasingly large proportion of new vehicles on sale in Australia are now "Level 1" vehicles.
"Level 2" - Partial Automation
In "Level 2" vehicles, a combination of steering and acceleration/braking are, under a limited set of circumstances, able to be undertaken by the vehicle. To do this, the vehicle uses a range of sensors to detect what's happening around the vehicle, and in some cases can even read signs such as speed limits.
The human driver remains in control of all the other aspects of driving at all times.
These are the sorts of driver assistance functions that may be included in "Level 2" vehicles:
- lane keep assist - where the vehicle makes small steering adjustments to remain within a freeway lane, and automatically adjusts speed to keep a safe distance from other vehicles
- collision avoidance - where the vehicle steers and brakes to avoid a collision, for example with another vehicle, cyclist, pedestrian or animal.
Some "Level 2" vehicles are now on sale in Australia. It is believed that a portion of these may in the future be upgradable to "Level 3" via a software upgrade.
"Level 3" - Conditional Automation
In "Level 3" vehicles, in specific driving modes (such as freeway driving), all aspects of the driving task can be undertaken by the vehicle.
However, the human driver must be in the driver seat and is expected to quickly respond to any request that the vehicle might make for the human driver to re-take control.
Hands-free driving on freeways is an example of "Level 3" driving. The human driver will be able to activate hands-free driving once on a freeway. Once in hands-free mode, the vehicle will adjust speed to keep within the prevailing speed limit, and also change lanes as required. The vehicle would request the driver to re-take control, for example in advance of the end of the freeway.
"Level 3" vehicles are not yet available in Australia (and regulations will need to be made to allow it), however public trials will be underway this year, including Volvo's trial in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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