Riding the Wave

The following sections are included:

• Dedication
• Preface
• About the Author
• Contents

This introductory chapter provides a foundational overview of autonomous vehicles (AVs), offering key insights into their current landscape and dispelling common myths. By addressing prevalent misconceptions, the chapter aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the technological, societal, and economic implications of AVs. It sets the stage for a multifaceted exploration, encompassing safety, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and societal impacts. The subsequent chapters will further delve into these dimensions, contributing to a dynamic and informed dialogue surrounding AVs in the contemporary automotive landscape.

This chapter offers a historical exploration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) from their early 20th-century roots to the contemporary era of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Divided into three phases, it outlines milestones such as Houdina Radio Control Co’s “American Wonder,” General Motors’ “Firebird II,” and DARPA-led projects like the “Navlab” and “DARPA Urban Challenge.” The narrative extends to the present, highlighting industry giants like Alphabet Inc’s “Waymo,” VisLab’s “BRAiVE,” and Tesla’s “Autopilot,” emphasizing the fusion of technological prowess and commercial viability. Beyond technological achievements, this chapter considers societal impacts, regulatory landscapes, and the transformative influence on transportation. It concludes by acknowledging the challenges and opportunities shaping the uncertain future of AVs, urging ongoing interdisciplinary exploration in this dynamic field.

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are vehicles that can perform the driving task without human intervention, using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), sensor technologies, and connectivity and communication systems. These technologies enable AVs to perceive, decide, and control, as well as to communicate and cooperate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud platforms. However, these technologies also pose various challenges and opportunities for the development and deployment of AVs, such as safety, efficiency, accessibility, regulation, and social impact. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the technological underpinnings of AVs, covering the key concepts, methodologies, and applications of AI, sensor technologies, and connectivity and communication systems, as well as the current landscape, emerging trends, and pertinent issues associated with these technologies. The chapter aims to provide a robust foundation for understanding the intricacies of AV technology and its profound implications for the future trajectory of AVs.

This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of the global legal and regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles (AVs). Drawing insights from authoritative sources, including Dentons’ Global Guide to Autonomous Vehicles 2023, Sikka and Kaur’s comparative analysis, and the OECD’s Policy Preparation Guide, the chapter explores the multifaceted dimensions of AV regulation. It delves into key aspects such as the level, scope, and content of regulations across different jurisdictions, highlighting the nuanced approaches and challenges faced. The analysis underscores the evolving, complex, and uncertain nature of the regulatory environment, emphasizing issues like safety, liability, data governance, and infrastructure readiness. Furthermore, the chapter explores the imperative of international cooperation, the challenges of crossborder collaboration, and the varied landscape of harmonization efforts. Recommendations for the future development of AV regulations, including the establishment of a comprehensive framework, flexibility, and adaptability, collaboration, and a participatory approach, are presented. The concluding insights emphasize the global pursuit of harmonized AV regulations as a strategic and collaborative effort, fostering innovation and addressing safety concerns to pave the way for the responsible and effective deployment of AVs worldwide.

This chapter immerses the reader in the evolving realm of autonomous vehicles (AVs), a transformative frontier reshaping the future of transportation. Focused on the key players steering innovation, the chapter unfolds the dynamic landscape of the AV industry, exploring its collaborative networks and breakthrough innovations. Beginning with a contextual journey through AV evolution, major industry contributors such as Baidu, Alphabet, General Motors (GM), Ford, and Toyota take center stage. The narrative threads through their competencies, collaborations, and transformative strategies, asserting the integral role they play in propelling the sector forward. Unveiling collaborative networks and scrutinizing innovations, from planning approaches to inductive charging and legislative frameworks, the chapter provides insights into their functions and impact on safety, convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. This holistic exploration aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the AV industry’s current state and its envisioned future trajectories, casting light on its pivotal role in shaping the next era of transportation.

This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate landscape of autonomous driving, addressing challenges and opportunities spanning safety, security, ethics, public perception, and acceptance. The analysis commences by examining ethical dilemmas, unraveling the underlying principles and values guiding decision-making in autonomous vehicles (AVs). The renowned Trolley Problem is scrutinized in the context of autonomous driving, unveiling its implications and complexities. The chapter navigates through the state of the art and best practices, shedding light on moral decision-making processes, ethical frameworks, and the crucial involvement of stakeholders. A comprehensive overview of gaps, limitations, and future directions in public perception explores the challenges of defining, measuring, and influencing societal attitudes toward autonomous driving. The chapter concludes by underscoring the transformative potential of autonomous driving and the need for interdisciplinary solutions, emphasizing ongoing collaboration, adaptive regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to addressing societal concerns as indispensable elements for navigating the dynamic future of autonomous driving.

This provides a comprehensive exploration of autonomous vehicles (AVs), offering insights into key lessons learned from real-world applications and collaborations among diverse stakeholders. The chapter highlights the pivotal role of data and analytics, exemplified by industry leader Waymo, and explores the transformative benefits of AVs in enhancing mobility, optimizing transportation systems, and catalyzing technological advancements. Real-world case studies, including the American Center for Mobility (ACM), the SymCoDrive project, and the CADSAC paper, underscore successful collaborative efforts and the importance of effective communication, consultation, and cooperation among AV stakeholders. Challenges such as conflicts of interest, technical complexities, and societal acceptance are addressed, emphasizing the need for continuous research and development efforts prioritizing safety, security, and ethical considerations. The chapter concludes by urging policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to collaboratively shape a future where AVs seamlessly integrate into transportation systems, offering a harmonious blend of safety, efficiency, and innovation.

This chapter delves into the transformative landscape ushered in by autonomous vehicles (AVs), examining their multifaceted impact on urban mobility, public transit, the automotive industry, and societal and economic dimensions. As AV technology matures, the rise of autonomous ride-sharing platforms challenges traditional transportation modes, prompting policymakers to navigate disruptions through innovative frameworks. The evolving urban mobility patterns and considerations for urban planning underscore the need for anticipatory strategies. Similarly, the AV-induced paradigm shifts in the automotive industry, from ownership to mobility services, necessitates proactive workforce planning to address potential job displacement. Societal changes are explored, highlighting enhanced accessibility and safety, while ethical dilemmas and concerns of increased urban sprawl warrant careful consideration. The economic shifts brought about by AVs present both opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the pivotal role of policymakers in fostering job creation, supporting transitioning industries, and mitigating economic disparities. The concluding reflections underscore the urgency of strategic planning, adaptive policies, and collaborative efforts to shape a responsible and equitable future of autonomous transportation.

The integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) into our transportation systems necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the industry. This document explores the multifaceted aspects of training and education for Autonomous Technologies, emphasizing the intricate relationship between humans and AVs. The analysis delves into key skills and competencies required for professionals, the current state of training programs, and the needs of learners and educators. The document further investigates innovative training methods, stakeholder collaboration, and concludes with implications, recommendations, and future directions for research. By synthesizing insights from academic literature, the document aims to provide a holistic overview of the workforce impact of AV technologies and contribute to the ongoing discourse in this rapidly evolving field.

This concluding chapter intricately synthesizes the dynamic discourse surrounding autonomous vehicles (AVs), marked by the myth versus reality debate. By weaving insights from academic literature and real-world implementations, the chapter delves into key takeaways and lessons learned, offering a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future trajectory of AV technology. Beyond dichotomies, it charts a roadmap, serving as a guidepost for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the evolving landscape of autonomous transportation. This nuanced exploration contributes to a deeper comprehension of AV technology’s role, transcending debates to illuminate a path forward in shaping the future of transportation.

The following section is included:

• Index