How a car “sees”
Cameras recognise signs and pedestrians, radar measures speed, and LiDAR scans the surroundings with a laser. The car's computer combines the data into a 3D picture, and neural networks predict what other road users will do.
Levels
- Level 2: the car keeps its lane and distance, but the driver must watch the road at all times (common driver assistants).
- Level 3: in certain conditions the driver does not have to watch the road.
- Level 4: driving without a driver in a defined area (robotaxi).
- Level 5: anywhere and in any conditions; this does not exist yet.
Open questions
Who is responsible in an accident? How does the car decide in a critical situation? Regulation is being handled country by country, and Europe is moving more cautiously than the USA and China.