
An autonomous vehicle uses technology to assist or replace the operator of a vehicle such as a car, truck, aircraft, rocket, or boat. This may also apply to remote controlled robots or drones.
Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in the development and operation of autonomous vehicles, enabling them to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and navigate safely without human intervention. AI algorithms empower AVs to interpret sensory data from various onboard sensors, such as cameras, LiDAR, radar, and GPS, to understand their environment and improve its technological ability and overall safety over time.
Autonomy levels[]
0 | No automation | Vehicles without adaptive cruise control. |
1 | Driver assistance | The vehicle controls steering or speed autonomously in specific circumstances. |
2 | Partial automation | The vehicle controls both steering and speed autonomously in specific circumstances. |
3 | Conditional automation | The vehicle controls both steering and speed under normal environmental conditions, but requires the driver to be ready to take control in other circumstances. |
4 | High automation | The vehicle travels autonomously under normal environmental conditions, not requiring driver oversight.
Waymo and Tesla offer robotaxi services. |
5 | Full autonomy | The vehicle can complete travel autonomously in any environmental conditions. |
As of late 2024, no system has achieved level 5 full autonomy.
See also[]
News[]
- 29 January 2025 - the start of full autonomy