Level 4 Autonomy

Definition

High Driving Automation where the vehicle operates completely autonomously under certain conditions and within specific geographic areas (geofenced).

Societal Impact

Potential for job displacement for drivers

SAE Classification

High Driving Automation

Typical Application

Robotaxis and ridesharing services

Operating Conditions

Limited to specific conditions (e.g., weather) and areas (geofenced locations where HD maps are available).

Regulatory Status (Germany)

Germany has created the framework for autonomous motor vehicles (up to Level 4) in defined operating areas within public road traffic in regular operation.

Human Intervention Requirement

Not required; the human can work, watch movies, or sleep. The vehicle can reach a safe state independently.

Key Technologies (Tesla example)

Computer Vision-only

Key Technologies (Waymo example)

LiDAR, HD Maps

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

At this point, vehicles can drive fully autonomously without the aid of a human driver. A human rider is still necessary to execute decisions, much like level 3, but can remain asleep for short periods of time. Level 4 autonomous vehicles may pull over into safer conditions if the driver ignores warnings and prompts. ### Level 5 Autonomy: No Driver Necessary Image 9: Cyberpunk Delamain Car [...] Also known as Conditional Driving Automation, Level 3 autonomous vehicles can make and execute decisions by sensing the surrounding environment. A human driver should still be present to override or correct any errors. No vehicles currently have level 3 autonomy, but BMW is currently testing these features on their test vehicles. ### Level 4 Autonomy: Fully Automated Image 8: Woman sleeping in a level 4 autonomous vehicle [...] With AI Technology advancing at a rapid pace, it’s inevitable that AI will soon dominate the automotive industry. As BMW rolls out level 3 autonomy technologies later this year, the next step after level 3 is, well, level 4 autonomous driving. But what is level 4 autonomous driving? In fact, what is Level 1 – 5 autonomous driving? Today at BMW of Owings Mills, we’ll go over all these AI terms and discuss what may lie in BMW’s technological future. ### Level 1 Autonomy: Basic Driver Assistance

Level 4 is fully autonomous but in geofenced locations or situations. This little bit of fussiness makes it hard for an individual to use effectively but presents a fantastic opportunity for communities to radically expand transit networks. Transit Agencies can strategically deploy Level 4 on-demand zones that get you around your local neighborhood and, for farther trips, connect you to the train or Bus Rapid Transit. Instead of having to own a car (or two or three), you and your neighbors can [...] The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines 6 levels of driving automation ranging from 0 (fully manual) to 5 (fully autonomous). May Mobility is designing Level 4 vehicles that are in the sweet spot of autonomy– fantastic, world-changing mobility deployed in places where they make the right difference. [...] While Level 5 autonomy (everywhere, all the time) sounds ideal, if it happens too fast, it will exacerbate our already overloaded transportation networks. Level 4 (many places, most times) is a targeted change that gives us time to update to better and more sustainable transportation. #### The Levels Explained

Level 4 is essentially a fully self-driving car and will not require a human driver in most circumstances. At this stage, nap-taking will be permitted. However, the full self-driving mode will only be possible in limited ‘geo fenced’ areas – where highly-detailed HD maps are available, and weather conditions permit. Speeds may also be limited. [...] There will still be the option for the driver to take over, but in a reverse of Level 2 and Level 3, this will only be available when it is deemed safe to do so. Level 4 will usher in driverless “robotaxis” and most cars with this level will fall into the ridesharing category. As such, once this stage is bedded in, it could introduce major changes in car ownership, as people see less need to take on the cost of having a vehicle on call at all times. ###### Level 5 – Full Driving Automation [...] ## Did you know? The word “automotive” comes from the Greek autos (self), and Latin motivus (of motion) and refers to any form of self-powered vehicle. ###### Level 4 – High Driving Automation

The big difference to Level 3: The vehicle operates completely autonomously under certain conditions. The human being no longer has to be ready to intervene. He can work, watch movies and even sleep. And the vehicle may also drive alone, i.e. without occupants. It must be able to reach a safe state without the intervention of a human driver, i.e. to come to a standstill in a parking lot for example. However, the autonomy of the vehicle at Level 4 is still linked to certain conditions, such as a [...] Image 15 Visual of a driver with Level 4: High Driving Automation Germany has created the framework for "autonomous motor vehicles (up to level 4) in defined operating areas within public road traffic in regular operation" as the first country worldwide. Driver: No longer has to be ready for intervention. ### Level 5: Full Driving Automation [...] For Level 5, the autonomy of the vehicle is no longer subject to conditions. In contrast to Level 4, a Level 5 vehicle acts completely autonomously. The vehicle can drive anywhere in road traffic and under all conditions without human beings. Consequently, these vehicles do not require a steering wheel or a gas or brake pedal. A human driver no longer exists at this stage. They are turning into a passenger. Driver: Does not exist anymore. The human being becomes a passenger.