The Future of Autonomous Cars: Limited Driver Supervision and Technological Complexity
Many people, including myself, are intrigued by the concept of autonomous cars. The idea of sitting back and letting the car do the driving while we relax or attend to other tasks is undeniably appealing. However, there are significant challenges that need to be overcome before fully autonomous cars become a reality.
Renault recently announced that they are unlikely to develop their cars beyond the current level-two phase of driving assistance systems. This decision is primarily driven by the costs associated with the required technology, as well as the regulatory and customer expectations. Renault acknowledges that there is a significant technological complexity gap between where we are now and where we need to be for a car to operate in complex environments with limited driver supervision.
The key issue here is the term “limited driver supervision.” If a self-driving car still requires some form of driver supervision, then its usefulness and the willingness of people to pay for it are limited. If drivers still need to keep their eyes on the road, they might as well have their hands on the controls in case something goes wrong. The ultimate goal should be a car that is both hands-off and eyes-off, with the car manufacturer assuming full responsibility for any potential failures.
Volvo has emphasized this point by stating that the handover from the car back to the driver can take minutes, not seconds. An autonomous car that suddenly requires driver assistance to navigate unexpected obstacles is not truly autonomous. It’s clear that there is still a long way to go before we achieve fully autonomous cars that can handle all situations without any driver intervention.
It’s worth noting that current cars already have some level of autonomous driving capabilities. Various driving assistance systems exist, such as lane-keeping assist and emergency braking. However, these technologies are not advanced enough to allow us to completely disengage from driving. They serve as reminders that we still need to stay alert and aware of our surroundings.
The reality is that the technology required for fully autonomous cars is currently prohibitively expensive. Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath has stated that it would not be practical for private individuals to invest in this technology. Instead, self-driving technology is more likely to be implemented in buses, trucks, taxis, and other commercial vehicles where the potential cost savings from eliminating the need for human drivers can outweigh the high initial investment.
The main motivation behind ongoing self-driving vehicle tests is not to cater to individual consumers but rather to benefit companies like Waymo, who can capitalize on the cost savings achieved by reducing their reliance on human drivers. For the average person who wants to doze off during a journey, the option of fully autonomous cars may still be a distant dream.
In conclusion, while the idea of autonomous cars is appealing, there are significant hurdles to overcome before they become a common sight on our roads. Limited driver supervision and the technological complexity required for true autonomy remain major challenges. The current cost of implementing this technology makes it more viable for commercial vehicles rather than private individuals. As exciting as the prospect of fully autonomous cars may be, it seems we will have to wait a little longer before we can truly sit back and relax while our cars take us to our destinations.
