The Road to Full Autonomy: Why Self-Drive Cars Need Steering Wheels

As the technology behind self-driving cars advances, the question arises: why do these vehicles still rely on steering wheels? The answer lies in a combination of current limitations, legal requirements, and safety concerns. This article explores these aspects and delves into the evolving landscape of self-driving vehicles.

The Current State of Autonomous Driving

Despite the progress in technology, fully autonomous vehicles—those without steering wheels—are not yet a reality for the general public. Most self-driving cars, such as those being developed by major automotive manufacturers, still include traditional control mechanisms like steering wheels and brake pedals. This is because they are designed to handle both fully autonomous functions and manual controls.

Developing Towards Full Autonomy

Autonomous vehicles are currently classified into five levels of autonomy, based on the European SAE International's classification (SAE Levels 0 to 5). As of now, no full self-driving cars are available for public purchase. Here is a breakdown of the levels:

Level 1: Assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control, where the driver still controls steering and braking. Level 2: Teslas and similar vehicles that can hold their lane and detect obstacles, but the driver must remain vigilant. Level 3: The car can be fully autonomous under certain conditions at limited speeds, but the driver must be ready to take over. Level 4: The car can perform tasks autonomously, like parking, but the driver remains responsible and the car may not be allowed to drive alone on public roads. Level 5: The vehicle operates independently and is considered a true 'driverless' car. The human occupants are passengers, not drivers.

Legal and Safety Considerations

One of the primary reasons for retaining manual controls in self-driving cars is the legal and statutory framework. In many countries, there must be a human operator present when autonomous vehicles are tested or driven on public roads. This is to ensure accountability in case of accidents or traffic violations.

Furthermore, safety is paramount. Autonomous systems are designed to handle various driving scenarios, but there is always a potential for error or failure. In extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, a human driver can override these systems and ensure the safety of the vehicle and its passengers. Providing a steering wheel and pedal system allows for this level of control during critical situations.

Future Scenarios

As technology continues to evolve, fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels may become more prevalent. Autonomous systems will likely become more advanced, capable of handling a wider range of driving conditions without human intervention. However, until full autonomy is achieved and the appropriate legal framework is established, we can expect to see self-driving cars with traditional features.

For example, the new Audi A8 can operate in Level 3 mode, a form of autonomous driving, but this mode is not yet street legal. Similarly, current self-driving buses operate at a slower pace and always carry a human operator with a kill switch, highlighting the need for immediate human intervention.

In conclusion, the presence of steering wheels and pedals in self-driving cars reflects a multi-faceted decision-making process. It balances technological progress, legal requirements, and safety concerns. As the technology matures and the legal landscape adapts, we can expect to see a transition towards fully autonomous vehicles. However, the road to full autonomy is still being travelled, and manual controls remain a crucial component of current and near-future autonomous vehicles.

Keywords: Self-Drive Cars, Autonomous Vehicles, Steering Wheels