🚗 Driving Levels: 3, 4, and 5
Autonomous driving systems are classified according to international standards by SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers) into six levels (Level 0-5) to determine how much the system is responsible for driving and when the driver needs to intervene.
We'll take a closer look at levels 3, 4, and 5, where cars begin to play a more important role in driving:
1. Level 3: Conditional Automation
Description: The car can drive itself fully in specified conditions, such as on a highway with heavy traffic. The driver does not need to hold the wheel or keep their eyes on the road at all times, but must be ready to take control when requested.
Driver's Role: Still holds the highest responsibility, if the system alerts to take over, the driver must take over within the designated time.
Example: Traffic Jam Pilot system can drive the car itself in traffic jams, but if the situation is cleared or an unexpected event occurs, the system will alert the driver to take back control.
Current status: It is already being seen in some commercial vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz DRIVE PILOT, which is approved for use in some countries under strict conditions.
The challenge: Handover is the most difficult and dangerous step, as humans may not be prepared or focused enough.
2. Level 4: High Automation
Description: The vehicle can drive itself fully within an "Operational Design Domain" (ODD), such as within a specified city, on a specified route, or under specified weather conditions, without any driver intervention, even if requested by the system.
Driver's role: If the vehicle goes out of ODD or cannot proceed, the system will bring the vehicle to a safe stop (Minimal Risk Condition). The driver does not need to be ready to take control immediately.
Examples: Robotaxi vehicles operating in some cities, with no steering wheel or pedals for passengers, or autonomous delivery vehicles operating on regular routes.
Current status: In testing and piloting in several cities around the world, such as Waymo, Cruise, which are offering Robotaxi services in some areas of the US and China.
Challenges: Expanding ODD coverage, dealing with unexpected ODD events, and unfavorable legislation in all countries.
3. Level 5: Full Automation
Description: A car can drive itself in all conditions and on all road conditions, just like a human or better, without the need for a steering wheel, pedals, or a human inside the car.
Driver's role: None. Passengers are merely service users.
Example: A car that can drive anywhere in the world, regardless of road conditions or weather conditions, without a driver.
Current status: Still a long-term goal , and no Level 5 vehicles are commercially available yet.
The challenge: The technology must be perfected to an unprecedented level, tested across all world scenarios, supported by public acceptance, and supported by a legal framework.
How close are they to reality?
Level 3: Beginning to enter the market in a limited way, but there are still debates about liability.
Level 4: Expanding trials and services in limited areas, particularly in the form of Robotaxi in major cities.
Level 5: Still Far From Reality Dealing with all the complexities of the real world remains a huge challenge.
In conclusion, autonomous driving systems are constantly evolving, but transitioning to higher levels will require time, rigorous testing, and careful regulatory support.
| Core technology | Autonomous Driving Levels, Driving Levels, SAE Levels, Driverless Cars, Autonomous Vehicles |
| Relevant levels | Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Conditional Automation, High Automation, Full Automation |
| Key concepts | Driver Role, Operational Design Domain, ODD, Driving Responsibility, Minimal Risk Condition, Robotaxi |
| Current status | Automotive technology, automotive innovation, proximity to reality, future of automobiles |
Illustration 1: Overview of Driving Levels 3, 4, and 5
This image provides a general comparison of the three levels, showing cars with varying degrees of autonomy and highlighting the key distinction in driver involvement.
Text in image: SAE DRIVING LEVELS: 3, 4, 5 – THE ROAD TO FULL AUTONOMY, LEVEL 3: CONDITIONAL AUTOMATION (Driver must ready to take over. LIMITED REALITY), LEVEL 4: HIGH AUTOMATION (Self-driving in defined areas (ODD). NEAR REALITY (Robotaxi)), LEVEL 5: FULL AUTOMATION (Drives anywhere, anytime. No driver needed. FUTURE GOAL)
Illustration 2: Level 3: Conditional Automation
This image focuses on Level 3, showing a driver relaxing but remaining attentive, with a visual cue indicating the system's readiness to hand over control.
