How many levels can autonomous driving be divided into?
2 Answers
Autonomous driving can be divided into 3 levels: 1. Level 1: Driver Assistance, functions such as lane keeping and adaptive cruise control belong to this stage of technology, where the driver remains the primary initiator and controller of driving operations; 2. Level 2: Semi-Autonomous Driving, the computer can control the car to complete the process of autonomous driving to the destination, this operation can serve as a backup, but is still limited by local laws and regulations and cannot be the main body of driving; 3. Level 3: Fully Autonomous Driving, where technology, cost, etc. are no longer influencing factors, the driver can switch between manual and autonomous intelligent driving modes at any time, and in the intelligent mode, the computer can completely replace the driver to fulfill driving intentions.
Autonomous driving levels actually consist of six tiers, ranging from Level 0 to Level 5. Level 0 represents the most basic form of manual driving, where all vehicle operations rely entirely on human control. Level 1 introduces minor intelligence, assisting with single functions like adaptive cruise control, but only for speed management. Level 2 advances to partial automation, allowing the vehicle to control both acceleration and steering simultaneously, such as automatically following the car ahead and maintaining lane position on highways, helping to alleviate driver fatigue. Level 3 is termed conditional automation, where the system can fully drive under ideal conditions, allowing the driver to take their hands off the wheel but still requiring readiness to take over at any moment, such as in congested highway scenarios. Level 4 represents high automation, capable of full automation within defined areas like cities or highways without requiring intervention. Level 5 is the ultimate goal of full automation, adaptable to any environment and road condition. Currently, most vehicles on the market only reach Level 2, with Level 3 just beginning testing phases. Higher levels still face safety and regulatory challenges, but technological advancements promise a more convenient future, with safety always remaining the top priority.
