Through technology now, everything impossible can be possible like the self-driving car. BMW, a German car company, is taking a huge step towards making cars that do not need drivers. Elmar Frickenstein, BMW's senior vice president, announced that they would be releasing level 5 autonomous driving in 2021. The company also said that they are also releasing Level 3 self-driving. The company is competing with the other luxury car manufacturers and they are collaborating with Intel and Mobileye to make this happen.
BMW and Mercedez are collaborating too; they will share data.
They will also create high-definition maps with Audi to advance their self-driving technology. Google's self-driving car Waymo, is trying to acquire the level 4. Tesla is planning to show and demonstrate how level 5 works by the end of this year.
Self-driving car levels:
- Level 0: Car has an automated system but no vehicle control. It also has issue warnings.
- Level 1: Car automated system features, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), automated steering in parking assistance, and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA). The driver must be ready to take control of the car at any time.
- Level 2: Car automated system performs accelerating, braking and steering. When the driver takes over the driving, the automated system will be automatically deactivated. The driver is also responsible for looking for and detecting objects in case the system fails.
- Level 3: Car automated system can take over the driving in freeways, but the driver must always be prepared to take control of the car when needed.
- Level 4: Car automated system can control the driving fully but not in severe weather. The driver attention is not required when the automated system is enabled in a safe place.
- Level 5: Car has no human action required, it is a fully self-driving. The automated system can drive to any location and can handle any driving situation.
About BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is known for producing luxury vehicles, motorcycles, and engines. The company founded in 1916. BMW is the parent company of Rolls-Royce and owns Mini cars. After World War I, BMW started to make aircraft engine then switched to motorcycle production in 1923.
