Challenges in Development of Autonomous Driving

Automobile makers are striving to develop autonomous driving technology. Society has been waiting for the technology to be put into practical use because driving autonomy will reduce traffic accidents and increase comfort. However, it will take time until complete autonomy because of three remaining challenges.

The first challenge is to build and maintain infrastructures. For example, traffic lanes need to be maintained clear because they are used to avoid touching other cars.

Autonomous cars need to obtain and use data from outside the cars. For example, car navigation systems obtain traffic information and show the fastest way to the destination. Therefore, Internet infrastructure is a critical factor to implement autonomous driving. However, it has not reached that level.

The second challenge is the car technology. Sensors on cars are under development, but they are not yet precise enough to recognize pedestrians and traffic signs. Artificial intelligence cannot yet predict, judge, and avoid various risks such as jumping of pedestrians(<=I wanted to say "pedestrians suddenly come in front of cars," but I cannot express it well.)

The third obstacle is legislation. There are several treaties and laws to control traffics and roads, such as an international treaty Geneve Convention on Road Traffic effective since 1949 and Japanese law Road Traffic Act effective since 1960. Such treaties and laws stipulate that a driver is necessary for a car and that the driver should drive the car safely and carefully.

These treaties and laws stipulate that drivers bear the responsibility for car accidents. Responsibility for accidents caused by autonomous cars is under discussion. The biggest challenge is who bears the responsibility the most. The responsibility will be partly on automobile makers and even parts suppliers, but it is difficult to decide the share among automobile makers, parts suppliers, and drivers. They would like to avoid as big responsibility as possible.