VW Executive Admits That Level 5 Autonomy May Be A Pipe Dream

After years of sunny optimism and big promises, automakers are beginning to realize just how difficult it is to make a market-ready, full self-driving car. The CEO of Volkswagen's autonomous driving division recently admitted that Level 5 autonomy—that's full computer control of the vehicle with zero limitations—might actually never happen.

A quick primer on the now-industry-standard SAE International rules on how to discuss self-driving abilities: Level 0 is no automation whatsoever. Level 1 is partial assistance with certain aspects of driving, like lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control. Level 2 is a step up to systems that can take control of the vehicle in certain situations, like Tesla's Autopilot or Cadillac's Super Cruise, while still requiring the driver to pay attention.
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qwertyfla1 - 1/15/2020 1:33:01 PM

-1 Boost

A Pipe Dream just like "Clean Diesel"...

supermoto - 1/15/2020 6:08:14 PM

+1 Boost

Car companies will never assume the legal liability of level V autonomy. Far better for them to lay the ultimate legal blame from a crash on the car owner/operator.

SanJoseDriver - 1/16/2020 3:04:11 AM

+1 Boost

They'll accept liability when it makes sense... specifically when the tech is good enough to compete with Uber/Lyft. The margins will initially be well worth the insurance costs.

TomM - 1/17/2020 5:53:49 AM

+1 Boost

I think it might be possible on Limited Access Highways as well - some (Not all) Interstate highways - with limited numbers of exits - are a distinct possibility if the Highway can take control of all the cars on it.

SanJoseDriver - 1/18/2020 3:53:41 AM

+1 Boost

Highway self-driving is pretty close for primetime already, although it would be nice to have some sort of 5G remote takeover redundancy if there is an extreme edge case the system can't recognize. I think Waymo has highway driving 99% done, Tesla is probably at 95%.