HIGHLY AUTOMATED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND LIABILITY ISSUES

Abstract

This article describes highly automated vehicles (HAV). Classifications of HAV autonomy levels are considered. It is noted that the path to the emergence of driverless cars was long and arduous, requiring decades of scientific research and a series of revolutionary technological breakthroughs. From the first ideas in the middle of the last century to modern prototypes, autonomous transport has become a reality thanks to the improvement of sensors, the development of artificial intelligence technologies, and computing power. Examples of the widespread use of driverless vehicles in several countries are considered. Electric autonomous vehicles with a transformable interior are described, and the main types of such electric vehicles are examined. It is noted that in HAV, the idea of transferring control to the driver implies coordination between the automation and the human, especially when the system cannot cope with safe driving or when human intervention is necessary. Key aspects of this approach are analyzed. The challenges associated with the widespread implementation of HAV are highlighted. It is noted that the unclear legal status and high operational risks could slow the mass production of autonomous vehicles. It is still unclear how autonomous vehicles will be regulated, and their use poses numerous risks. The deployment of fully automated vehicles, which correspond to Level 5 autonomy and require no human intervention, raises not only a host of legal issues but also significant cybersecurity threats.