The level of automation varies. Tesla was running level 3 where the vehicle is automated, however the driver is expected to maintain awareness of the situation and take over. Some consider this an issue as the system works most of the time lulling the driver into a false sense of security. In the well publicized accident in the Tesla the operator did not take control of the vehicle when the system failed to recognize a white travel trailer was not just sky.
Ford is planning on launching their automated cars in 2021 at level 4. Per Ford's press release
Plans are to design it to operate without a steering wheel, gas or brake pedal, for use in commercial mobility services such as ride sharing and ride hailing within geo-fenced areas and be available in high volumes. .
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/08/16/ford-targets-fully-autonomous-vehicle-for-ride-sharing-in-2021.htmlhttp://safety.trw.com/autonomous-cars-must-progress-through-these-6-levels-of-automation/0104/Do I really want an automated system with no override? Do I even want automated braking? What if I am going 60 mph down a highway with a twin tanker truck behind me. I recognize the tanker represents a material condition and this affects my behavior. I doubt the auto-braking feature of many of these new cars would take this into account. If a deer steps in the middle of the road I will not slam on my brakes, I will adjust and evade and perhaps still hit the deer. I do not want an auto-braking system to bring me to a rapid stop because I do not want that tanker to plow into me. I may wish to apply some brake, but that will be in relation to how much room I have to steer left or right when I evade. Bottom line is I want to manage the system.
I like my truck. ABS and torque management are as much automation as I am comfortable with at this point.
We will see how this all unfolds over the next decade.
This is certainly not my area of expertise and would be interested in what others may have to say.
Good luck,
Stu
