SAE International has established five self-driving definitions. Level 1 describes automating small tasks like steering while all other operations remain under human control. Level 2 is compared to “autopilot” where the car automatically takes corrective action but requires the driver to be vigilant. Level 3 also needs human intervention but the primary job of driving is performed by the vehicle. Level 4 gives drivers a vehicle they can sleep in on a long commute. Level 5 is synonymous with full automation under any conditions.
In 2016 GM acquired Cruise Automation for $581 million. Reuters reported that GM expected to release thousands of self-driving electric cars in 2018 with affliliate Lyft. As of this year the car maker has taken a step back citing the need for testing and safety validation. In 2017 Ford invested $1 billion into Argo AI. This year the startup spent $15 million to create the Autonomous Vehicle Research Center at Carnegie Mellon University to focus on improving self-driving technology. Honda and Toyota executives both agreed that no one is close to achieving Level 5 automation. Companies like Fiat-Chrysler, Nissan, Tesla and BMW seem to agree, though each of the automakers mentioned has invested heavily in development programs. Only time will tell.
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