Autonomous Vehicles: The Future of Transportation

All of us had watched tech films in the past and were fascinated by the evolution of technology. Metropolis was released in 1927 in which automatic vehicles were driving safely on the highways. The concept of autonomous vehicles is not new in the field of technology.

It’s a self-drive car that doesn’t need any driver to operate. Imagination and fantasy have become a reality in the 21st century.  Now we live in the autonomous vehicles era and they are dominating the future of transportation. Autonomous vehicles are the great explosion in transport technology. 

What is Autopilot and How it is Different from Autonomous:

An autopilot is an assistance system that helps the driver and lessens the drive load. The autopilot increases the safety and comfort of the driving experience. It is a complete system that you can buy after the purchase of the vehicle. Tesla vehicles have an autopilot technology. 

Autopilot is responsible for the speed of the vehicles; it competes and cooperates with traffic on the road.

It helps in navigation and obeys traffic rules but this system requires an attentive driver who is ready to control sudden changes. You can set your autopilot on full self-driving mode. This system will control everything including, lane changing, automatic signal turning, and navigating interchanges, and exits. It also helps in auto parking with a single touch and identifies the signal lights and drives accordingly.

An autonomous vehicle is an independent system and it can work without a driver. It takes all the necessary decisions of driving by itself. It works with a fully automated system and handles all external conditions alone. The autonomous vehicle has 6 levels and its performance depends on these levels:

Level 0:

In this level, the vehicle acts according to the human driver and has no self-drive control.

Level 1:

In this level, the advanced driver assistance system helps the human driver in steering, accelerating, and braking.

Level 2:

At level 2, the ADAS can supervise the steering, accelerating, and braking but it cannot make self-decisions and needs a human driver for complete assistance.

Level 3:

At level 3, in some conditions, the ADAS can perform all driving tasks but the human driver should be there to take control in any unpleasant situation and implement necessary steps.

Level 4:  

The level 4, the ADAS system can operate self-reliantly and it don’t require any of special attention of any oof human driver.

Level 5:

The 5th and final level can operate independently. It can perform all the driving functions with the help of its AI system. It does not need any human driver for final assistance and works with an advanced automation system.

The Autonomous Vehicles Key Features and Market Growth:

Autonomous vehicles' electronic control units are made of advanced technology and fast systems. They have the latest sensors like LIDAR, cameras, radars, and distance-measuring technologies. The sensors are sensitive enough to detect any complex condition and make the right decision in real-time.

They also have machine-learning algorithms that are based on input data, the algorithms make predictions and are capable of taking actions accordingly. All the parts collaboratively work to avoid complex situations and work for navigation. The 5G technology and cloud computing will enhance the potential of components and the outcomes will be more effective.

Autonomous vehicles are increasing with the smart technology of driving due to this reason autonomous vehicles market is growing. In 2021, L1 and L2 autonomous vehicles reached nearly 106 billion USD and it is predicted that it will reach over USD 2.2 trillion in 2030.

There will be a great share of Asian Pacific in the autonomous vehicle industry till 2020. North America and Europe are also on the list. Self-driving market popularity is increasing due to the safe, comfortable, and speedy driving experience.

Autonomous Vehicles Impact on Transportation and Other Industries: 

Autonomous vehicles are rapidly growing and ready to impact other industries. The autonomous industry is creating new opportunities with its low cost and quality of efficiency. Autonomous vehicles will impact on other industries:

Logistics and Other Transportation: 

The logistics services work 24/7. They never stop in any condition so they need a fast and advanced means of transportation for timely deliveries. Autonomous vehicle technology will help them in advance scheduling. The deliveries will be faster than ever with less fuel. 

Taxi and other Riding Services:

The companies that provide private ride-booking or taxi services like Uber and Lyft will be considered more secure and efficient with advanced technology and automotive control. The passengers will be sure about safe traveling. So, the companies will like to use autonomous vehicles for business.

Manufacturing with AI:

Automotive manufacturing helps in making new designs with a focus on sensors, AI, and 5G connectivity. 

Medical Transport:

The autonomous industry will help in healthcare transportation with fast response and timely arrival of ambulances in case of any emergency. 

Better Public Transport:

The condition of public transport is not good around the globe. The increasing population needs efficient and sufficient means of transport. Autonomous buses and other vehicles would be the best solution to the problem. 

Agricultural Productivity:

Autonomous vehicles will save time with the smart working of autonomous tractors and other types of equipment. Autonomous vehicles will increase the productivity of the agricultural lands. 

Safety Insurance: 

Autonomous vehicles will be a safe means of traveling on the road so they will be less risky as compared to common vehicles because they can detect any complexity with AI technology. They can avoid accidents and maintain the standard speed for the safety of passengers.

Eco-friendly:

Autonomous vehicles are good for the healthy environment in the cities because they use less fuel and produce less pollution. Autonomous vehicles automatically park outside the cities and leave the space empty for the green areas in the cities.

How will Autonomous Driving Replace the Human Drivers?

Autonomous driving is a source of comfortable, easy, and less risky traveling on busy roads and highways. AI technology such as lasers, cameras, and sensors make autonomous vehicles independent and safe. Famous manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are adding new technology to their vehicles and making new innovations.

Autonomous vehicles will be the best replacement for human drivers in such aspects:

• The human drivers face many challenges like fatigue, sickness, or any other mind-diversity that’s why unlimited road accidents happen daily. They also behave wrong with others and do not obey the traffic rules so they will easily be replaced with autonomous vehicles that are free from all human weaknesses.

• Drivers take unnecessary breaks and waste time on other things while autonomous vehicles will save time and energy of the passengers.

We often observe and face traffic jams on the roads due to the wrong use of one-ways carelessness of the drivers. Autonomous vehicles will help in increasing traffic flow by their advance via the Cra2x communication system. 

A lot of people rely on others for traveling so autonomous driving will be a good choice for them with its easy accessibility. In this way, people will feel more confident and self-reliant.

Autonomous driving will reduce the expenses of mobility as no one will need a special driver for transportation so autonomous driving will be profitable.

Future of Autonomous Vehicles:

Autonomous vehicles can be counted as one of the biggest revolutions in the vehicle world. Autonomous technology aims to bring secure, comfortable, efficient, and easy driving for people. Technology is the solution to many problems like expensive mobility, delayed deliveries, and time-consuming old transportation.

Autonomous technology is growing rapidly and getting the attention of the big automakers. The manufacturers are showing their interest in the latest technology.

Tesla is well known for its automatic vehicles and autopilot features. Tesla has high focus on autonomous vehicles since 2014 and making innovations in the autonomous industry. 

Ford and Nissan are also considered the biggest manufacturers in the automakers' market, they also believe that autonomous vehicles will play an important role in the transportation ecosystem and will develop an enjoyable driving experience. 

Other big brands like BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz are eager to invest in the autonomous industry. So, it seems that autonomous vehicles have a bright future.