The Future of Driving: The Rise of Level 4 and 5 Autonomous Vehicles Powered by ADAS

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is a technically intelligent software that helps enhance the safety of vehicles on the roads today. It has been developed just to enhance the driver's capability to respond to road risks in real-time. This system helps in achieving that through live interaction with drivers. It reads the surroundings and provides the accurate measures that a driver has to take. There are various levels of ADAS that are available automation levels.

These systems enhance safety and probable threats with early warning and other means of automated systems. Also, technological growth and numerous automation activities have significantly improved the desirability of vehicle safety systems.

In this article, we will understand the different levels of automation and the reason why levels 4 and 5 are gaining more visibility than other levels.

What is an Advanced Driver Assistance System?

As the name suggests, ADAS Software provides advanced assistance to drivers.   It features vehicles that can sense the surroundings and operate with zero human involvement. The vehicle does not require a human driver at any time, nor does it need a human driver to be present at all times.

It refers to an automobile that can travel to any location and perform duties as a skilled human being. 

Around six levels of autonomous driving are currently recognized for the purposes of defining their levels of ability. 

These range between Level 0, which refers to completely manual, and Level 5, which operates as fully autonomous. 

Understanding Levels in ADAS

Level 0: No automation

The driver is fully in charge of the vehicle's actions within the vehicle. It includes- handling the wheel, applying brakes, and powering the accelerator or decelerator. This level vehicle has features such as a blind spot, as well as a safety camera for collision.

Some systems that as far as classification goes, would consider Level 0 but offer some important functionality.  For instance, automatic emergency braking that triggers intense braking in the event of an impending accident counts as Level 0 because it does not operate continuously.

Level 1: Driver assistance

At this level of driving, the automation process starts to involve the automatic operation of a vehicle in certain conditions. However, humans still have the core control. 

An example of level 1 automation is the adaptive cruise control— the system takes care of acceleration and braking, usually on the highways. As per functionality, drivers can even lift their feet from the pedals.

Level 2: Partial automation

Many of them are ADAS – advanced driving assistance systems and this gives continuous help. Both, In terms of acceleration and braking plus in terms of steering while the driver is fully concentrated and engaged. This level comes with the possibility of overtaking full control of the vehicle if needed.

While active, the system can regulate the operation of the steering wheel, brake, and parking. However, levels 0, 1 and 2 require the driver to engage and stay attentive and to assess the performance of the support features provided by the system. 

Level 3

Clearly, we are now in a more advanced stage, which is rather infrequent and provides only specific driving-related automation. It enables when the driver is willing or allows the system to take over. 

It means that when someone turns on the system, it must perform all the driving functions. But still, the driver sits in the driver’s seat and is ready to take control anytime he is required or asks for it.

Level 4: High driving automation

The main difference between Level 3 and Level 4 is that the systems available in such vehicles can take over the vehicle automatically. In level 4, whenever there is any issue, the system can take over without permission. 

The driver, however, still has the option of manually driving the vehicle. The current rules allow these vehicles to be used only in very well-specified situations. For instance, in cities with very low-speed restrictions, such as city centers. 

Thus, they will usually be used with ridesharing vehicles. This level indicates very high driving automation. The ADAS at this level is so advanced that human involvement is rarely needed.

Level 5: Full driving automation

According to classification, level 5 vehicles are automated at the highest levels, thanks to very advanced technologies.

That means they're not controlled by any humans other than in an emergency, no matter the driving conditions or the state of the road. Therefore, the vehicles are devoid of pedals and a steering wheel.

ADAS Level 5 authorizes complete vehicle independence. The user interface becomes such that hand control over the wheel, and driving might not be present. Vehicles may not have or even require, steering wheels or pedals under Level 5 ADAS.

Sudden Popularity of Levels 4 & 5 in ADAS Fleet Management 

Potentially, the future generation of ADAS intends to clear the path for safety among the company's motor vehicles (Even in regard to electric vehicle use). As companies are seeing improvements in safety and efficiency, there is no reason why not to adopt levels 4 and 5. Because both levels require minimum human involvement. It will help companies in cost-cutting as well.

Drivers only need to have a Driver App to understand more about their routes here once this technology comes into their organization. All the information will be on the app. 

Long-term, ADAS, and Driver Monitoring System do not just change the experience of driving for commuters and commercial drivers. But it is also playing an integral role for every road user in improving the safety of roads.

Before You Go!

It is important to understand the levels of ADAS and their functions to understand how they can help your fleet. Levels 4 and 5 of ADAS are the future of automobiles, especially the fleets. Through the improvement of vehicle safety, efficiency, and emission standards, ADAS is the best option the fleet industry can have.

Want to know how to increase efficiency in your fleet while lowering the occurrence of accidents? Contact TrackoBit.