FEATURE Automotive Supply Chain
Harnessing the power of automated vehicles
A
utomated vehicles have quickly become the talk of the town, with the connected and autonomous
vehicles (CAV) industry and the public showing significant interest. Vehicle manufacturers are working hard to bring these vehicles to market, and many new vehicles already come equipped with various autonomous features, prompting new marketing campaigns targeting drivers. However, consumers may not understand the implications of these terms such as “self-driving”, “automated” and “autopilot”. Consequently, it is essential that those in the CAV industry better inform the public about the capabilities of automated vehicles, so that they can make informed purchasing decisions.
Automation and the current state of technology
Automated cars, or “self-driving cars”, are increasingly becoming a reality with a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence and software allowing them to navigate and drive without human input. They can recognise and respond to their environment accordingly, but the driver must be ready to take over within a split second if the car meets an unforeseen hazard or situation. As such, automated cars are a rapidly evolving technology, and while the dream of a completely autonomous vehicle may still be in the future, today’s technology is already pushing its boundaries. Autonomous vehicles will provide
unprecedented independence for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those without a driver’s license. At the same
28 June 2023 | Automation
By Karla Jakeman, Head of
Automation at TRL
time, they will help to reduce accidents, optimise traffic flow and contribute to Net Zero carbon emissions. It’s time to embrace the future of autonomous vehicles and all the possibilities it brings.
What does the public think? Despite the lack of availability of autonomous commercial vehicles, many people have already formed strong (and often negative) opinions about them – even though they haven’t had any direct experience with them. This emphasises the need for public education, as researchers and manufacturers realise that people must be able to experience autonomous vehicles before they can form a non-apprehensive opinion of them. Without this education, the public may continue to believe inaccurate information and remain hesitant about embracing the technology. Consequently, drivers’ education is essential for preparing people to use connected and autonomous vehicles safely and responsibly; responsibility for this should be shared amongst all stakeholders involved in the development, deployment, and use of these vehicles. Governments, vehicle manufacturers, tech companies and educational institutions should all work together to provide this education and information. Organising trials, for example, ensures the general public can experience CAV technology for themselves and see first-hand how it could impact their lives – will enable them to form a more positive opinion.
Role for manufacturers only? It is essential for drivers to be
educated about automated cars, as the responsibility to understand how to operate them does not rest solely on the shoulders of the manufacturers. While manufacturers do have an important role to play in their safety, it is arguably up to the driver to make sure they understand the technology behind the vehicle. This is especially true when the car is sold in the second-hand market, as the new owner must be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure their safety. Therefore, both manufacturers and drivers must work together to ensure that drivers are properly educated on automated cars, thus minimising the potential safety risks associated.
What will the future look like? The future of CAVs will likely bring many changes to the way we move around. However, one thing you can count on is that people will still have a choice. For those who enjoy driving, you won’t need to fear that your days behind the wheel are numbered. Automation will be an option, but it won’t take over completely. Meanwhile, those who don’t like driving can enjoy the freedom of a car without having to drive it themselves.
No matter what the future holds, one thing is certain: automation won’t be the only choice. As the CAV industry continues to evolve, people will be able to choose the option that best suits their needs.
CONTACT:
TRL
www.trl.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
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