In this blog post, we will look at how far autonomous driving technology has developed and consider how it could change our lives and society in the future.
When you leave your house, your parked car comes to you on its own and greets you. Once you get in, all you have to do is tell it your destination, and you can relax, listen to music, or watch a movie while it takes you there. What once seemed like science fiction is now becoming a reality. Autonomous vehicle technology has moved beyond the experimental stage and is on the verge of commercialization on actual roads, with some cities already embracing it.
For example, Tesla’s Autopilot feature maintains the lane, adjusts speed, and automatically controls the distance from the vehicle ahead without the driver touching the steering wheel. Currently, it only operates in limited environments and legally requires the driver to be ready to take control at all times, but the technology is evolving at an astonishing pace. Global companies such as Google’s Waymo, GM’s Cruise, Hyundai’s Motional, and China’s Baidu are accelerating development to commercialize fully autonomous vehicles.
Autonomous vehicles are nothing short of sophisticated IT systems. Various sensors, high-performance computers, and artificial intelligence algorithms act as the vehicle’s eyes, ears, and brain, enabling it to recognize its surroundings and make decisions without human intervention. Front cameras recognize road signs, traffic lights, pedestrians, and other vehicles in high definition, while radar uses the Doppler effect to measure the distance and speed of vehicles ahead. Ultrasonic sensors detect nearby obstacles at low speeds and assist with automatic parking and collision avoidance. GPS and high-precision map data determine the vehicle’s current location and surrounding environment to decide on a route. When combined with LiDAR sensors, the vehicle can recognize the terrain, buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians around it in three dimensions, enabling more precise driving.
The onboard computer of the autonomous vehicle processes the vast amount of data collected from the sensors in real time and adjusts the direction and speed according to algorithms to respond to various variables on the road. Initially, rule-based algorithms set by developers were the core technology, but now deep learning-based artificial intelligence has become the core technology for autonomous driving. Based on driving data collected from roads around the world, AI is developing its own judgment capabilities, enabling it to respond more flexibly and safely even in unexpected situations.
Along with technological advances, autonomous vehicles inevitably raise ethical questions. For example, in a critical situation where a vehicle must choose between saving many pedestrians and injuring the driver, how should it be designed to make that decision? This is not merely a technical issue but a complex one that requires social consensus and philosophical standards. Some countries have established ethical guidelines for autonomous vehicles, and international discussions on the matter are actively underway, but no definitive solutions have been reached yet. Clear standards regarding responsibility among various stakeholders, including drivers, pedestrians, manufacturers, and insurance companies, must also be established.
Once autonomous vehicles are commercialized, our lives are likely to become much more flexible and efficient. The concept of individual vehicle ownership may gradually disappear, and a shared model where vehicles are called upon as needed could become the norm. Parking spaces will decrease, vehicles on the road will move more efficiently, and accidents and traffic congestion will significantly reduce. In an environment where real-time communication between vehicles is possible, smart cities where vehicles can regulate traffic flow on their own and move quickly without congestion may become a reality.
The changes in the logistics sector are also enormous. Autonomous delivery vehicles and trucks can reduce transportation costs and create faster and more efficient supply chains. This will lead to cheaper products and faster delivery for consumers, as well as significant changes in the overall distribution structure.
The ability to work or rest during travel time will also play a major role in improving quality of life. The day when we can work, attend meetings, or enjoy leisure activities inside our cars is not far off. Of course, there are still many obstacles to overcome. Adverse weather conditions, complex urban environments, road infrastructure limitations, hacking and data security issues, and the need to revise laws and regulations all mean that it will take time for autonomous vehicles to become completely mainstream.
However, technology is clearly moving in that direction, and autonomous taxis, shuttle buses, and unmanned delivery vehicles are already being tested around the world. Cities such as California, Arizona, Dubai, and Beijing are revising relevant laws and infrastructure to become testing grounds for autonomous driving services.
Autonomous vehicles are more than just machines that replace driving; they are a technology that will transform urban structures and redefine people’s lifestyles. Parking spaces will be replaced by parks, and more people-centric spaces will emerge in the heart of cities. The inconvenience and stress associated with “transportation” will disappear, and mobility itself will become an opportunity for leisurely time and creative activities.
We are standing at a pivotal moment where not just technological progress but the very form of life is undergoing a profound transformation. At this juncture, when autonomous vehicles are becoming a reality, what matters is not merely accepting this change but contemplating how to prepare for and leverage it. The technology is already in place. Now is the time for our society and institutions to make the necessary preparations to align with this new reality.
