By 2035, 37% of newly purchased cars will have advanced autonomous driving capabilities. What engineers are doing for self-driving cars right now and what are the prerequisites for the emergence of autopilot in Ukraine, GlobalLogic experts told.
According to forecasts, the self-driving car market will reach $557 billion by 2026 (from $54 billion in 2019). Tesla was one of the first companies to mass-produce electric vehicles equipped with sensors and software for autonomous driving. However, it is not the only player in the market – dozens of automakers are focused on developing solutions for autopilots, among other things:
- Volvo, together with Aurora Innovation , presented Volvo VNL Autonomous self-driving trucks at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas. The Aurora Driver autopilot technology uses a combination of AI-based software, as well as cameras, radars, sensors, and computers to navigate the roads.
- Volkswagen plans to start testing the robotaxi in Hamburg in 2026. The company has already implemented a pilot project with self-driving taxis in Austin, USA, in 2023.
- Recently, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to be allowed to test a Level 4 autopilot (where the system fully controls the car’s driving) in Beijing.
From hands-free to full automation
Currently, manufacturers offer “hands-free” systems, where the car performs some operations without the driver’s involvement. However, in both the United States and Europe, hands-free is only allowed with systems that monitor the driver’s condition and focus on the road. In addition, this level of automation is only permissible in restricted environments, such as highways with a speed limit.
The next levels are “free eyes” (the driver may not watch the road, but is still behind the wheel), “free mind” (the driver is not involved in driving, the responsibility for the car’s behavior is transferred to the automaker) and “full automation” (the car moves without the driver’s presence and the steering wheel becomes an option). The latter two levels require changes both within the car itself and in the environment around it.
What needs to change at the car level
Currently, autopilot is not ready for large-scale use. Self-driving cars are safe in a sufficiently controlled environment, where there are no dogs, children, fog, and good road markings. However, the world around us is quite complex and unpredictable. In particular, AI helps to prepare self-driving cars for reality.
The autopilot is trained on real data (datasets) from dozens of different sensors (lidars, radars, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, etc.), teaching it to recognize the road, objects, context, and situations.
The SDV (software defined vehicle) platform, a solution from GlobalLogic engineers that helps to develop and test software for cars, will help to speed up the integration of AI into self-driving cars.
What should change in the environment and what does Ukraine lack?
Engineers identify 5 prerequisites for the emergence of autopilot on Ukrainian roads:
- Changes in legislation and regulations that will allow the launch of at least experimental robotic taxi services.
- Creation of “use cases” where the introduction of autopilot will be justified: for example, self-driving trucks can reduce the costs of logistics companies. After all, the autopilot does not need to stop along the route.
- Attracting investment in infrastructure development. In particular, this concerns the introduction of 5G, which speeds up data processing and transmission, and the creation of road infrastructure (markings, pavement, lighting, etc.).
- The introduction of autopilot risk insurance is a challenge at both the local and international level. Addressing the issue of who is responsible for traffic violations and accidents.
- Creation of self-driving car service centers with qualified specialists and technological equipment.
“The emergence of self-driving cars in Ukraine will be the result of synergy between automakers, engineers, government agencies, and insurance companies. The first autopilots in taxis or deliveries may appear in 3-5 years. Our engineers are already working with industry leaders and sharing their experience. This will allow us to better implement the latest solutions in Ukraine,” comments Sergey Naida, Vice President of Engineering at GlobalLogic.
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