Perspective: Level 4 Vehicle Automation

In May 2015, Freightliner’s Inspiration Truck began operating on Nevada highways at what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines as Level 3 of autonomous vehicle capability. Make no mistake, Level 3 and Level 4 capabilities are both autonomous. The difference between Level 3 and Level 4, as described by NHTSA, is Level 3 design allows for a vehicle to be operated autonomously or by a person. But a Level 4 vehicle is designed to not allow human intervention. While some who have looked at this issue seem to feel an autonomous vehicle is safer when a human can take control, others, as reflected in Google’s recent filings with NHTSA, feel that the potential for human intervention actually decreases safe operation of an autonomous vehicle.

In the recent movie “Steve Jobs,” the titular character states: “The very nature of people is something to overcome.” It would have been interesting to have seen what Jobs would do in the autonomous space. Maybe some part of him is at the test track as Apple builds its autonomous car.

 

Trivia Question: On May 5th, 2015, the Inspiration Truck crossed over a man made structure in Nevada once regarded as “impossible” to build.   What river does that structure cross?  Check back tomorrow for the answer.