Autonomous cars have been put into various categories or levels. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined ‘levels of Driving Automation’ the carmakers follow. These are:
Level 0: The driver is fully responsible for driving the car.
Level 1: The driver has the freedom to take the feet off the pedals in some instances.
Level 2: There is automatic acceleration and braking to support the driver. Tesla’s Pilot 2 is Level 2 car
Level 3: The driver can disengage from driving, but at times. Honda Legend Level 3 is available. Mercedes Benz has launched Drive Pilot, a Level 3 car.
Level 4: The car drives on its own all the time, but a driver accompanies.
Level 5: The driver is eliminated. There is no driver seat.
The sensors determine the position of the car and road conditions using data from 3D maps, and the global navigation system. Sensors are fitted all over the body. The ECU controls the acceleration, braking and steering to assist the driver.
Honda sensing that provides automation between Level 1 and 2 in Honda City and Elevate. Others with similar tech are Tata Safari, Mahindra XVV700 etc.
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