Vehicle automation refers to the use of technology to control a vehicle's movement without human intervention. This includes systems that assist with driving tasks, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, as well as fully automated vehicles, often called self-driving cars. These technologies aim to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the overall driving experience.
The development of vehicle automation involves various levels of automation, ranging from basic driver assistance to fully autonomous systems. Organizations like SAE International categorize these levels, with Level 0 indicating no automation and Level 5 representing complete automation. As technology advances, the potential for widespread adoption of automated vehicles continues to grow.