In this blog post, we will look at the stages of development and core technologies of self-driving cars, as well as their impact on our future lives and safety issues.
Google, which amazed the world with its artificial intelligence AlphaGo, has its eyes on another technology. It is self-driving cars, which are often depicted in science fiction movies. What is so special about self-driving cars that giant companies such as Google and Tesla are jumping into this business one after another? Let’s take a look at the hottest technology today, self-driving cars, which can reach their destinations faster and safer than humans.
The concept of autonomous driving was first mentioned in the 1960s. However, due to the lack of technological capabilities at the time, it was not until the 1990s that research began with the development of information processing technology. Looking at the current situation, competition is quite fierce. With the help of advanced sensors that help recognize surrounding objects and high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs), various information technology companies are rushing to develop self-driving cars.
First, let’s take a look at the stages of development of autonomous driving technology and how it will evolve in the future. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration divides autonomous driving technology into five levels based on the level of driver intervention. Level 1 is the selective active control stage, in which only a few specific functions are operated automatically. This can already be found in cars driving in city centers in 2024, with auto cruise control and lane departure warning systems corresponding to Level 1.
Level 2 is an integrated active control stage in which existing autonomous driving technologies are automatically operated in a single system. From this point on, it can finally be called “autonomous driving,” in which the car analyzes road conditions through sensors and radar and can drive a certain section without driver intervention, with the driver only intervening in special cases. However, drivers must keep their eyes on the road ahead in order to respond to unexpected situations that may arise at any time.
Level 3 is a limited autonomous driving stage in which the vehicle recognizes traffic signals and road conditions, allowing the driver to engage in other activities such as reading. Google’s self-driving car and Audi’s commercial vehicle are the first to reach this stage. However, there are still preconditions such as limited situations, so the driver still has a role to play.
Level 4 is a stage of almost complete autonomous driving, in which the driver only acts as a passenger and the system is responsible for all vehicle control.
Recently, Tesla, Google Waymo, and Amazon self-driving vehicles have demonstrated technologies that are close to this stage.
The final stage 5 is the fully autonomous driving we dream of, where drivers disappear and only passengers exist. At this point, cars will have a highly advanced system in which artificial intelligence and sensors control all functions. They will even be equipped with the ability to send vehicles to their desired destinations even when there are no passengers.
So, how does autonomous driving work? First, let’s think about the process of driving a car. When driving straight ahead, the driver checks the traffic lights with both eyes, decides to stop, and steps on the brakes. In other words, the driver goes through three stages: recognition, judgment, and control. The same applies to autonomous vehicles. The only difference is that computers and sensors replace the eyes and brain. In the
recognition stage, the vehicle uses GPS, cameras, and radar to recognize and collect information about the surrounding environment. The GPS navigation systems we currently use have an error margin of 10 to 30 meters, which is too large to drive safely. In addition, LiDAR, which is densely packed with remote laser systems such as sonar equipment, 3D cameras, and radar equipment, is also a key device that serves as the eyes of autonomous vehicles.
In the judgment stage, driving strategies are determined based on the perceived information. After understanding the environment in which the car is located and analyzing images, driving strategies appropriate for the driving environment and destination are established and judged.
In the control stage, the engine drive and driving direction are determined, and driving begins in earnest. If perception is likened to the senses, such as the eyes and ears, and judgment is likened to the brain, then control can be likened to the arms and legs that move directly. There are two main types of control for moving a vehicle: steering and acceleration/deceleration. Steering is the technology of manipulating the steering direction, while acceleration/deceleration is the technology of making the vehicle run or stop through acceleration and braking.
Autonomous vehicles drive according to software commands by constantly repeating the “perception-judgment-control” cycle. Autonomous vehicles that control and operate all functions on their own are very attractive, but there are also issues to consider. Above all, safety is of the utmost importance because it is directly linked to human safety, and issues of responsibility and security must also be considered. If these issues are resolved one by one with the advancement of cutting-edge technology, humanity will be able to enjoy a more convenient life in the future.
Experts say that vehicles with some autonomous driving features began to be commercialized in the mid-2020s, and as of 2025, vehicles with Level 4 autonomous driving technology are undergoing test runs. Full commercialization of Level 5 autonomous driving is expected to be possible in the mid-2030s.
With an estimated 10 years needed for the commercialization of Level 4 autonomous vehicles, driverless cars, which we have only seen in science fiction movies, will be on the road by 2035. With the advancement of technology, autonomous vehicles are expected to become more than just a means of transportation, but a part of our daily lives. For example, autonomous driving technology can be combined with the sharing economy to solve traffic congestion and parking problems.
In addition, the commercialization of autonomous vehicles will bring about revolutionary changes in logistics and delivery, allowing people to reduce the time spent driving and focus on more productive activities.
In 2023, autonomous taxi services began trial operations in several cities, and as of 2025, they have entered the commercialization stage in some areas. This has reduced the number of traffic accidents and alleviated traffic congestion in some areas.
