By Jill Ciminillo
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Well. You can’t have one, Violet,
but you can get something close.
Automakers are actively testing
fully autonomous vehicles, and
some, such as Ford and Nissan,
are promising some kind of
autonomous cars on the roads by
2020.
But what exactly does autonomous mean, and
what partial systems are currently available? The
autonomous scale goes from 0, which is more of a
warning than an active intervention system, to 5, which
is a fully autonomous steering-wheel-optional system.
The levels in between include driver assistance (see side
bar), partial automation, conditional automation and
high automation.
Most of the systems on the market now fall between
levels 1 and 3.
Here’s a rundown of some of the more prominent
automaker-specific systems.
Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot
Drive Pilot made its Mercedes-Benz debut in the
2017 E-Class and is positioned to give every semi-
autonomous system a run for its money. It offers
steering assist, speed control and evasive steering
assist in addition to the ability to change lanes merely
by touching the turn-signal lever. While you can take
your hands off the wheel, Drive Pilot does require some
kind of driver response or check in, which reportedly
occurs every 10 to 15 seconds. Drive Pilot is available
on E-Class and S-Class models as a part of an optional
package that will cost more than $10K and $2K,
respectively. Other Mercedes models that don’t have
the full Drive Pilot system offer the optional Disctronic
Plus, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane
centering steering assist.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise
Cadillac’s semi-autonomous system allows for
completely hands-free driving, but it implements some
restrictions and
limitations. First,
the driver must
remain attentive,
and the car will
monitor this with
head-tracking
software. Hands
can be off the
wheel but the
eyes have to
be pointed at
the road ahead. The second restriction is Super Cruise
is only available for use on limited access freeways
that are separated from on-coming traffic. This system
uses a series of LiDAR, cameras, radar and GPS to help
keep the car in its lane. Because Super Cruise will not
change lanes for you or perform emergency steer
assist functions, this system is on the cusp between
Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy. Currently, this system is
only available on the CT6 as an option at the Premium
Luxury trim ($69,290) and standard at the Platinum trim
($83,290).
Volvo Pilot Assist
This is a hands-on system from Volvo that aids with
steering and speed control. The system will use a series
of cameras and radar to “see” not only the lane lines
but also the vehicle in front of you. Similar to adaptive
cruise control, it will set a cruising speed as well as
adapt the speed of the vehicle to match the vehicle in
front. The steer assist portion of the system may toggle
off automatically if it doesn’t detect visible lane lines –
hence the need to keep hands on the wheel. In fact, if
the vehicle detects that you are not keeping your hands
on the wheel, it will shut off. Pilot Assist is considered a
Level 2 autonomous system and is currently available
in the S90, V90, XC40, XC60 and XC90. Pilot Assist is
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CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2018
14
I WANT AN AUTONOMOUS
CAR, NOW!
