A recent auto show in Las Vegas showcased notable advancements in self-driving car technology, signaling that the much-anticipated autonomous car revolution is well underway. Despite setbacks and skepticism, industry experts remain confident in the progress being made.
The focus of the show was primarily on safety innovations. Companies, both established and start-ups, displayed cutting-edge technologies such as 3D vision, night vision, driver fatigue detectors, and hand-on-wheel detection. These advancements aim to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
According to Christophe Perillat, head of the French Valeo group, driver assistance systems will be commonplace in vehicles by 2030. These systems will vary from level 2 to level 4 automation, as defined by the trade association SAE International. While fully autonomous vehicles at level 5 are not expected to be available for consumers by 2035, the deployment of automated driver assist systems will significantly enhance driving safety.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a pivotal role in the development of these technologies. By analyzing facial features and eye movements, AI can detect driver alertness and make interventions to ensure driver safety on the road.
However, autonomous vehicles have faced criticism mainly due to accidents involving them. Companies like Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, suspended their autonomous operations after several accidents. Tesla’s “Autopilot” system, although considered level 2 automation, has also faced scrutiny for potentially misleading drivers and leading to accidents.
Despite these challenges, the autonomous driving industry is bifurcating into two main streams: professional users and private users. Professional users, such as fleets of robotaxis and shuttles, are adopting self-driving technology due to its potential for 24/7 operation and cost savings. However, private users are slower to adopt due to regulatory, safety, and price concerns. Fully autonomous vehicles, particularly at level 4, will come with a higher price tag of around $10,000 more than traditional vehicles.
Industry experts predict that within the next three to five years, hundreds of thousands of robotaxis will be operating globally, with China taking the lead. This trend suggests the rapid growth of the autonomous driving market, which McKinsey Center for Future Mobility estimates could generate between $300 and $400 billion worldwide by 2035.
In conclusion, the recent auto show showcased the progress made in self-driving car technology and emphasized the importance of safety advancements. While concerns and challenges persist, the industry remains confident in its ability to revolutionize transportation in the coming years.
The source of the article is from the blog reporterosdelsur.com.mx