An increasing number of vehicles are available with advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. These systems are the foundation for the levels of autonomy described above. AV is developing at an unprecedented rate, and not just among automakers. Tech firms and software companies including Apple, Intel, and Waymo are involved, as are automotive suppliers like Bosch and Delphi and ride-hailing companies like Uber.
Some of these companies are developing software and partnering with a variety of automakers that will build the AVs. Others are building their own complete cars—hardware and software. Many companies are investing in or forming what might seem on the surface as unlikely connections, such as Waymo's partnership with Avis.
Hundreds of companies are getting in on the action, for one simple reason: If AVs are genuinely the future of mobility, there's a potential multibillion-dollar market for this technology, which could also change our models regarding transportation and mobility.
It's likely that the first areas where we'll see autonomous technology are commercial ventures, such as food and package delivery, ride-hailing services, various types of trucking, shuttle transportation around university and industrial campuses, and so on, rather than private passenger cars. Here's what's happening with some major players in the AV arena:
Audi
By 2020-2021, Audi says it plans to introduce a Level 4 Highway Pilot feature, which offers hands-free driving at posted limited-access-highway speeds, enabling the vehicle to execute lane changes and pass cars autonomously.
Cadillac
Cadillac's Super Cruise provides hands-free driving at highway speeds on divided highways without intersections. Super Cruise debuted in 2017 on the company's 2018 CT6 sedan. Drivers must still be engaged; a camera and infrared scanners determine if a driver isn't paying sufficient attention.