Autonomous vehicles: IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Self-driving technology offers plenty of promise, but not everything about autonomous vehicles will be a panacea.

Other than emissions control, probably nothing is keeping auto-company leaders and engineers awake at night more than the challenges surrounding development of self-driving, or autonomous, vehicles. Increased competition among global competitors has practically recast this “good-to-have” functionality into a virtual necessity for the consumer. Moreover, the prospect of driverless vehicles also presents potential environmental and safety benefits that generate a positive regulatory push.

Before delving into the intricacies of their societal impact, some basics outlining the four-stage evolution of autonomous vehicle (AV) development: Level 1 has just one function automated (e.g. the cruise control feature we find in many Indian cars today). Level 2 has multiple automated functions, e.g. adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Level 2 vehicles can follow another vehicle, automatically braking and accelerating in response to the leading vehicle's actions while maintaining a comfortable distance. The vehicle also can self-steer to remain in its driving lane.