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Autonomous vehicles-(AVs) use technology to partially or entirely replace the human driver in navigating a vehicle while avoiding road hazards and responding to traffic conditions.

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SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Levels of Automation:

Technology:

They use a mix of technology and sensors to become aware of the road, other vehicles and objects on and along the road.

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It was good to learn about the different levels of AV’s, as I didn’t know this existed before. Also, seeing a diagram of the various technology involved in the making of this type of vehicle.

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How they work?

Self-driving vehicles use three main sensors: radar, cameras, and LiDAR to observe their surroundings (light detection and ranging). These sensors feed data into on-board processors, which use advanced software, algorithms, and machine learning to control actions like braking, steering, and acceleration.

The sensor array in self-driving technology detects road features and obstacles like lane markings, curbs, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles using cameras, light impulses, or radar. While these systems enhance safety, they are not flawless, and their performance can be compromised by conditions like snow or heavy precipitation that obscure sensors or lane markings.

Although, I don’t need to be familiar with the functionality of the technology itself, but I think it will be good to know when designing my dashboard for picking the features that the vehichle needs.

Advantages of Self-driving Cars:

1. Offer mobility solutions for those unable to drive due to age, disabilities, or lack of public transportation.

• For commercial operators, these vehicles enhance cost-savings and efficiency by operating longer without breaks and requiring fewer employees.

1. Self-driving safety technology, ADAS (Automated Driver Assistance Systems), is already helping to reduce traffic congestion and accidents.

• According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ADAS helps prevent accidents by anticipating dangers and assisting drivers in avoiding them.

1. Provide environmental benefits by reducing traffic jams and potentially decreasing the number of vehicles on the road.

• A University of Michigan study found that driving efficiencies from self-driving vehicles could reduce lifetime energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 9% compared to conventional vehicles.