Experts and industry insiders have long debated the feasibility and necessity of achieving Level 5 autonomy in the automotive industry. While CES, the annual gadget fest in Las Vegas, showcases the latest technologies and advancements in various fields, it’s worth noting that major automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler have opted out of the event this year.
The path to fully autonomous driving, or Level 5 autonomy, seems to be a challenging one. Trevor Curwin, the director of strategic partnerships at Sheeva.AI, an automotive payments company, discussed the current state and the future outlook of autonomous driving at CES. He explained that we are currently stuck between Level 0 and Level 2 autonomy, with a long way to go before achieving Level 5.
Curwin raised the question of how much autonomy is enough for consumers. With features like lane assist and adaptive cruise control already integrated into cars, do drivers really need the ability to fall asleep in the back seat? Additionally, the integration of autonomous vehicles into cities raises concerns about regulations and the coexistence of human-driven and autonomous vehicles.
Curwin emphasized that consumer behavior plays a significant role in the adoption of autonomous vehicles. However, he believes that Level 5 autonomy is not a pressing need at the moment and may take another decade or more to be fully embraced by drivers.
From a business perspective, Sheeva.AI can thrive in both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous environments. The company focuses on in-vehicle payments, enhancing the overall driver experience. Curwin highlighted the importance of car-related tasks, such as parking and fueling, which can be conveniently handled through connected cars.
While there have been recent setbacks in the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), Curwin stands firm on his prediction that by 2035, nearly all new vehicles will be electric. Despite the challenges and adjustments faced by automakers, the industry is still progressing toward a future dominated by EVs.
In conclusion, achieving Level 5 autonomy is a complex endeavor, and the necessity of it is debatable. The automotive industry must consider consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, and the integration of evolving technologies to strike a balance between autonomy and driver experience.
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr