Toyota Claim Drivers And Automakers Are Confused Over Autonomous Driving Classifications

The boss of Toyota’s Research Institute believes the classification system for autonomous driving levels is causing confusion over the progress being made in the development of self-driving vehicle systems.

The current framework was introduced by automotive body SAE International in 2014 and features six levels of autonomy. These range from zero (in which a system can only issue warnings to drivers) to Level 5 (for ‘steering wheel optional’ driving in which cars drive themselves).

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MDarringer - 4/2/2018 1:44:35 PM

+4 Boost

So Toyota took time out of it's busy schedule of installing the wrong pistons in Camry engines just to state the obvious?

wilfred - 4/2/2018 4:44:55 PM

+4 Boost

Yes we are confused, but in our defense, it’s more like the automakers are confusing the consumers...

With names like Auto Pilot, what are we supposed to think? And every manufacturers have different names for more or less the same driving assistants...

TheSteve - 4/2/2018 6:10:58 PM

+2 Boost

Color me cautious, but until full autonomy (Level 5) is a reality and a better driver than me, then I won't use autonomous systems. I'd rather not be lulled into a false sense of security, and not be "on the ball" if/when sh*t happens.

MrEE - 4/2/2018 11:48:28 PM

+3 Boost

Better to perfect systems to aid in preventing accidents and not enabling more phone distraction.

TomM - 4/3/2018 7:21:27 AM

+1 Boost

How can we be "CONFUSED" about a LEVEL system of classification that is NOT BEING OPENLY USED to begin with?

THIS problem will be settled by the courts - and Liability is where the line will be drawn. No manufacturer could afford to be involved in every local accident case involving Autonomous systems - the cost of Insurance to cover the Liability would make the systems too expensive to include in the cars to begin with. At some point - it will be determined that the "Driver" of the car - unless there is NO way to actually drive it(no steering wheel) - has a legal requirement to be available as if he were actually driving the car. If that does not happen - the systems will simply be too expensive to consider.

Frankly - until I can no longer drive - I will not be interested in having that capability in my car - I do not even like adaptive cruise control today. And when I can no longer drive - I am not sure I will be mobile enough to justify owning a rarely used vehicle anyway. No use being driven to the Grocery - when I cannot get out of the car and go shopping. I once thought that such a control system would be embedded into the paving - of major Interstate Highways - controlling the speed of ALL cars - and the on and off ramp acceleration - coordinating this to all the vehicles. I never really expected to go into NYCITY without my hands on the wheel. And I am sure I will not actually do that in my lifetime.

Tiberius1701A - 4/3/2018 8:51:20 AM

+3 Boost

"Toyota claim" ???? What are we in the UK?!?!? Murrrica!!!!!!!!! :P