Cyber security and the 6 levels of vehicle automation
Today’s vehicles have more in common with the smartphone in your pocket than it has with the horse-drawn cart from times past. With the pace at which technology is advancing, OEMs of automobiles that want to lead their industry should also consider the risks associated with progressing parallel to the technology cutting edge.
It is essential to have the correct technical and analytical skills in place to orchestrate effective cybersecurity practices. Luckily third-party automotive cybersecurity vendors can be of undeniable value in the current market. Being able to perform real-time security evaluation on the software being utilized by vehicles is key to staying compliant and marketable.
The evolution of automotive automation technologies can broadly be divided into six unique levels, each introducing more Artificial Intelligence and reducing driver responsibility.
Automation Level 0 – No Automation
Driving automation equipment is not installed on a vehicle classified as Level 0 (zero). A driver is solely responsible for the vehicle’s movement, which includes steering, accelerating, braking, parking, and any other motion required to move the car.
Nevertheless, at this level, driver assistance technologies may be present that can intervene momentarily in driving. Among the features offered are lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, emergency braking, and a blind-spot warning system. In some cases, these technologies can take immediate action or provide alerts in situations that don’t require the operation of the car.
Automation Level 1 – Driver Assistance
Almost every vehicle has at least one driver support system that provides steering assistance OR braking and acceleration assistance at Level 1, the lowest level of automation. The driver is still responsible for the vehicle and must be ready to take over at any time and for any reason.
Technologies like adaptive cruise control are part of driving aids. The device maintains a safe following distance between your vehicle and the traffic in front of you without the driver’s intervention. Autonomous steering assist functions like lane-centering and lane-keeping would also be considered Level 1 automotive automation.
Automation Level 2 – Partial Automation
Level 2 automation involves a few driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control and steering correction. Another partial driving automation technology is highway driver assist. Highway driver-assist allows the vehicle to automatically accelerate and brake while maintaining its lane. The driver must, however, place their hands on the steering wheel to ensure that they are still paying attention to the road ahead of them.
Automation Level 3 – Conditional Automation
From a technology standpoint, the transition from Level 2 to Level 3 is significant, but from a human standpoint, it is little. Level 3 vehicles can monitor their surroundings and make smart judgments for themselves, such as accelerating past a slow-moving vehicle. However, they still require human intervention. If the system fails to complete the task, the driver must remain ready to take charge.
Automation Level 4 – High Automation
The main distinction between Level 3 and Level 4 automation is that Level 4 vehicles are capable of intervening if something goes wrong or if the system fails. In this way, most situations do not necessitate human engagement with these vehicles. However, a human can still override the system manually if needed.
Level 4 vehicles are capable of self-driving. However, they can only do so within a limited area until legislation and infrastructure evolve (usually in an urban environment where top speeds reach an average of 30mph). Geofencing is the term for this. As a result, most Level 4 vehicles on the road today are designed for ridesharing. To launch your rideshare app on the market, you should carry out market research, create and prioritize an MVP features list, choose a mobile platform, and сreate a user-friendly interface. Learn more in this guide on how to make a successful rideshare app.
Automation Level 5 – Full Automation
Level 5 driving automation indicates that a vehicle can drive itself anywhere, in any situation, without the need for human intervention. A Level 5 vehicle is not restricted by geofencing or weather, and it carries people pleasantly and efficiently without the need for a driver. Only humans will be involved in setting a destination.
As the levels of automation rise, automotive cybersecurity monitoring will become increasingly important. In view of the current stage of automotive evolution, OEMs can and should address automotive cybersecurity as a basic requirement. Partnering with the right security compliance vendor might make the difference between decreasing revenue and securing future profits by securing ongoing ROI.
