Close Menu
    Demo

    Self-Driving Cars: What to Expect Today, Tomorrow, and in the Far Future

    autoexpresscarBy No Comments3 Mins Read

    Self-Driving Cars: The Future is Closer Than You Think

    Science fiction authors and industry leaders like Elon Musk have been promising fully autonomous cars for years, but where does the technology really stand? Let’s explore the current state and future developments in self-driving cars.

    Today’s Technology

    GM Super Cruise
    General Motors’ Super Cruise Level 2-plus system is now available on 15 nameplates and can be used on 750,000 miles of North American highways. This upgraded system, originally called Ultra Cruise, uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon Ride Platform to interpret data from various sensors.
    Ford BlueCruise
    Ford’s BlueCruise is available on seven Ford and Lincoln models, covering 130,000 miles of highway. It has received incremental improvements through its 1.3 software variant, currently available in the Mustang Mach-E.
    Stellantis STLA AutoDrive
    Stellantis is developing its STLA AutoDrive system, which promises hands- and eyes-free driving with Level 3 autonomy on authorized roads. Currently, such systems are only legal in California and Nevada.
    Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot
    Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot was the first to launch in the U.S. with Level 3 capability on certain EQS and S-Class sedans. It’s expected to be available to customers via subscription in 2024, but only in California and Nevada.

    Tesla’s Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) are currently classified as SAE Level 2 assist systems. Elon Musk recently suggested that FSD might be licensed to other manufacturers in 2024, potentially bringing more extensive Level 3 benefits soon.

    Hyundai Smart Park
    Some cars can already drive themselves in limited scenarios, such as Hyundai’s Smart Park feature or Bosch’s Automated Valet Parking system.

    Tomorrow’s Advancements

    The industry is moving towards more advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by fusing data from cameras, radar, and lidar sensors. Artificial intelligence and robust connectivity are enhancing vehicle awareness of changing conditions. Advances in sensor technology, such as infrared cameras and ground-penetrating radar, are expected to improve perception and lower costs.

    One emerging trend is remote driving, where human operators control vehicles remotely. Companies like Halo.Car and Ottopia are already exploring this technology for applications such as rental car delivery and retrieval.

    The Far Future

    Rimac Verne Robotaxi
    When fully autonomous Level 4 and 5 vehicles become common, they’ll need to coexist with human-driven cars. This means they’ll still require advanced safety features, which will need to evolve to accommodate non-traditional seating arrangements. The Rimac Verne robotaxi, for example, features reclining seats and advanced safety systems.

    Looking even further ahead, autonomous vehicles might one day have dedicated roadways, reducing the risk of accidents. However, they’ll still need to contend with unexpected obstacles like animals or fallen trees.

    As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, MotorTrend will be there to keep you informed about the latest developments in self-driving technology.

    Share.

    Related Posts

    Leave A Reply