Industry Contemplating The Possiblilty Of Driver Intervention In Self Driving Vehicles

As industry engineers and designers contemplate the transition to more vehicle autonomy, they're looking especially hard at what happens in Level 3 automation, as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In the Level 3 scenario, the driver's hands could be completely off the steering wheel for extended periods. But drivers have the option of resuming control.

What happens to the steering wheel when it's not needed for driving? How does it return when the driver opts to retake control? And how fast should the entire transition happen? It's a complex issue, fraught with engineering and design challenges.

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TheSteve - 6/13/2016 11:06:36 AM

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re “…In the Level 3 scenario, the driver's hands could be completely off the steering wheel for extended periods. But drivers have the option of resuming control…”

As we all know, Google has done (and is still doing) extensive research into autonomous cars. Earl on, they discovered that “driver assist” systems – such as the one I quote in the opening line of this post – actually INCREASE accidents. Google learned the driver is lulled into a false sense of security, and is no longer 100% focused and engaged in controlling the vehicle. So when something goes wrong, it takes time to…
1) Realize something has gone wrong
2) Gather your wits
3) Scan your environment and controls
4) Assess and understand your environment and controls
5) Accurately assess what went wrong
6) Formulate an appropriate response
7) Carry out the appropriate actions, in a timely manner, without error

Google discovered that somewhere between Step #1 and Step #7, the accident occurs. Sometimes before Step #1. That’s why a driver should not depend on Driver Assist systems, and why autonomous driving systems must be freakin’ outstandingly fail-safely good and reliable.

PUGPROUD - 6/13/2016 5:22:52 PM

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Sounds to me that manufacturers are getting cold feet about liability issues and are considering passing some or all of it back on the customer. "Sure you had an accident but at time you could have taken control and avoided it."