What it takes for self-driving cars to appear on the roads

By 2035, 37% of newly purchased cars will have advanced autonomous driving capabilities. GlobalLogic experts shared current engineers’ developments for self-driving cars and what are the prerequisites for the appearance of autopilot in Ukraine.

 

The global market for autonomous vehicles is forecasted to increase to $556.67 billion by 2026 (from $54 billion in 2019). Tesla was one of the first companies to start mass-producing electric cars equipped with sensors and software for autonomous driving. However, it’s not the only player in the market. Dozens of automakers are focused on self-driving vehicles development, for instance:

• Volvo and Aurora Innovation introduced Volvo VNL Autonomous self-driving trucks at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas. Aurora Driver, the autopilot technology, uses a combination of AI software, cameras, imaging radar, sensors, and computers to navigate the vehicle.
• Volkswagen is going to start robotaxis testing in Hamburg in 2026. The company has already implemented a pilot project with self-driving taxis in Austin, US in 2023.
• Recently Mercedes-Benz became the first car manufacturer to obtain approval for Level 4 automated driving testing in Beijing. Level 4 stands for fully automated control of the car by the system.

 

From hands-free driving to full automation: what car manufacturers offer now

 

Currently, manufacturers offer systems of the hands-free level, which enables the car to perform some tasks without the driver’s involvement. However, both in the US and in Europe, hands-free systems are allowed only with driver condition monitoring systems and his concentration on the road. Moreover, such automation level is permitted only in restricted conditions, like motorways with speed limits. Next levels include: eyes-free automated driving (the driver may not follow the road, but still sits behind the wheel), mind-free (the driver does not participate in driving, responsibility for the behavior of the car is transferred to the automaker) and full automation (the steering wheel is no longer necessary as the car moves without the driver’s presence). The last two levels require changes inside the car itself, as well as in the surrounding environment.

 

What modifications are needed at the car level?

 

Currently, the autopilot is not ready for large-scale use. Self-driving cars are safe in a sufficiently controlled environment, with no dogs, children, fog or bad road surface markings. However, the world around us is quite complex and unpredictable. AI in particular helps in preparing self-driving cars for reality. Autopilot is trained on real data (datasets) from dozens of different sensors (lidars, radars, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, etc.). The SDV (software defined vehicle) platform will accelerate AI integration in self-driving cars. This platform developed by GlobalLogic engineers helps to develop and test software for cars.

 

What changes need to be made to the environment and what is lacking in Ukraine?

 

Engineers highlight five prerequisites for the emergence of an autopilot on Ukraine’s roads:

1. Changes in legislation and regulations that will allow the launch of at least experimental robotic taxi services.
2. Creation of “use cases” where the introduction of an autopilot will be justified. For instance, self-driving trucks can reduce the costs of logistics companies since autopilot does not need stopovers.
3. Attraction of investments in infrastructure development. Specifically, this concerns the introduction of 5G, which accelerates the processing and transmission of data, and the development of road infrastructure (road surface and markings, lighting, etc.).
4. Introduction of autopilot risk insurance is a task at both local and international levels. Solving the question of who is responsible for traffic code violations and accidents.
5. Establishment of service centers for self-driving cars with qualified experts and industrial equipment.

 

Autopilot in Ukraine will emerge as a result of the cooperation of automakers, engineers, government agencies, and insurance companies. First self-driving cars in taxi or delivery may appear in 3-5 years. Our engineers are already collaborating with industry leaders and sharing their experiences. This will lead to a better implementation of the latest solutions in Ukraine,

comments Sergii Naida, Vice President of Engineering, GlobalLogic.