A smart car is a vehicle that has the technical capabilities to behave autonomously. Automated driving, 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 works through 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.
The technology of a smart car is based on the cooperation of various sensors. The main ones are multiple cameras aimed 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. A GPS is used to plan the route and locate the vehicle in its environment.
In the development of smart cars, one speaks of the five levels of autonomy, depending on how independently the locomotion takes place.
The first stage is “assisted driving,” which is currently the most common on our roads. These include the usual driving assistance systems such 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.
A vehicle with autonomy level 2 moves partially automatically. This includes systems for automatic parking, lane keeping, or acceleration. The car can take over certain tasks, but the driver is responsible and liable for accidents.
It is a big step to the third level of autonomy, highly automated driving. The car can carry out certain 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.
If control of the vehicle can be relinquished over a longer period and certain journeys can be carried out independently, this is referred to as fully 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 cars belong to the 5th level: autonomous driving. The occupants of the vehicle no longer take on any tasks. The intelligent 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.
From the point of view of environmental 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 or avoid traffic accidents. This could significantly reduce the number of road traffic injuries.
Autonomous vehicles make driving barrier-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.
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 a small error in the software can lead to an accident with serious consequences. In this situation, the question of guilt will arise.
Who is liable in a traffic accident where 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 the target 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.
The success of a company also depends on the quality of customer experiences. However, many…
Whether it's Amazon, Apple, Google, or Microsoft, each big tech giant wants to claim the…
Companies are currently implementing various sustainability measures. However, internal IT is rarely considered. The new…
AI can help companies save valuable resources by uncovering optimization potential. Using self-learning algorithms, it…
More and more companies in the finance sector are facing considerable challenges with cloud transformation.…
The number of cyber attacks on companies is increasing alarmingly. Every company is affected, and…