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Definition: what is a smart car?
Asmart caris a vehicle that has the technical capabilities to behaveautonomously. Automateddriving, without the intervention of a human driver, represents the highest level of autonomous driving. The car moves in autopilot mode, similar to an airplane. Acceleration, steering, and braking maneuvers are carried out automatically.
All of this worksthrough digital, “smart” networking. The vehicle contacts other road users and various data sources via radio or WLAN. The computer processes the data aggregated from the environment to make decisions independently. Accelerating, braking, and steering are taken over by the vehicle. Thanks to intelligent algorithms, obstacles can sometimes be recognized faster than a human being could.
How does a smart car work?
The technology of a smart car is based on the cooperation of various sensors. The main ones are multiplecamerasaimed at all perspectives. They record the current situation, traffic signs, traffic lights, and other road users.
The distance to the surrounding objects can be measured in connection with radar sensors. AGPSis used to plan the route and locate the vehicle in its environment.
The smart car’s software categorizes the environment captured by the sensor technology. The lane, traffic signs, and people can be recognized as such and react accordingly.
What are the five stages of autonomous driving?
In the development of smart cars, one speaks of thefive levels of autonomy, depending on how independently the locomotion takes place.
Autonomy level 1:
The first stage is “assisted driving,” which is currently the most common on our roads. These include theusual driving assistance systemssuch as cruise control to regulate a desired speed or automatic lane departure warning systems. Depending on the model, these issue warnings intervene to a certain extent in the process by keeping the vehicle in its lane.
This level is characterized by the fact that the driver must always control the car, i.e., follow the traffic carefully. The assistance systems only support him but do not take over the driver’s tasks.
Autonomy level 2:
A vehicle withautonomy level 2movespartially automatically. This includes systems forautomatic parking, lane keeping, or acceleration. The car can take over certain tasks, but the driver is responsible and liable for accidents.
Autonomy level 3:
It is a big step to thethird level of autonomy,highly automated driving. The car can carry outcertain processes independently over a certain period. The use of such vehicles on motorways is conceivable shortly. There is no oncoming traffic there, and the markings are continuous so that a computer system can easily record them. At this level, the driver can take his attention off the road. However, he must be able to take the wheel at any time.
Autonomy level 4:
Ifcontrol of the vehiclecan be relinquished over a longer period and certain journeys can be carried out independently, this is referred to asfully automated driving.
The car’s passengers can divert their attention while driving completely and sleep. You are not liable for any accidents or damage. However, they may have to take the wheel. If this is impossible, the vehicle drives itself to a safe place. Numerous car manufacturers, including Apple and Google, are currently examining this stage of development.
Autonomy level 5:
Smart carsbelong to the5th level: autonomous driving. The occupants of the vehicle no longer take on any tasks. Theintelligent software takes over all tasks, including complex situations like driving through an intersection or stopping in front of a pedestrian crossing. The manufacturer or insurance company is liable if an accident occurs despite the complex technology. No binding legal framework exists for operating such vehicles on public roads.
What are the advantages of smart cars?
From the point of view ofenvironmental protection and sustainability,road transport with smart cars brings clear advantages compared to current CO2 emissions. Vehicles with an electric motors can be operated with electricity from renewable energies such as water or wind power. If these cars are also equipped with driver assistance systems or can move autonomously, a lot of electricity can be saved through intelligent storage and energy management.
Not only the environment but also people are supported by Smart Cars. The most common cause of accidents is still people. Autonomous, networked vehicles promise to use complex software to predict obstacles oravoid traffic accidents. This could significantly reduce the number of road traffic injuries.
Autonomous vehicles make drivingbarrier-free. Self-driving cars give people with illnesses, disabilities, or the elderly the opportunity to become more independent. Furthermore, the research and further development of smart cars promise strong economic growth and create jobs.
What are the disadvantages of smart cars?
Despite these multiple benefits, one should also be aware of the risks that smart car technology entails. Autonomous vehicle users must be aware that just asmall error in the softwarecan lead to an accident with serious consequences. In this situation, the question of guilt will arise.
Who is liable in a traffic accidentwhere only automated vehicles are involved and people are injured? The current road traffic regulations StVO are based on the principle that a person is behind the wheel. Jurisprudence also relates to persons. Because of this, the road traffic law would have to be completely revised. In addition, the question of who can be prosecuted in the event of an accident must be addressed.
After all, all digitally networked systems – smart cars and smart homes – are thetarget of hackers.These dial into the software without permission to manipulate it. Data protection experts believe that more attention should be paid to this problem.
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