Self-Driving Car Definitions, Tech, Safety, Testing

Self-driving car overview and terminology

A self-driving car (also called an autonomous, driverless, robotic, or robo-car) is a vehicle that can operate with reduced or no human input. The term “self-driving” does not have a single universally agreed definition, and different organizations and companies use varying terminology and marketing. In practice, most systems rely on advanced driver-assistance technologies (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS), typically using sensors such as LiDAR and cameras, plus software, AI, GPS, and mapping to perceive the environment and control the vehicle. Because capabilities vary by operating conditions, key terminology focuses on the operational design domain (ODD)—the specific circumstances where automation is intended to work safely. A major distinction is between autonomy and automation: autonomy implies the system makes decisions under its own control, while automation is often function-specific and still leaves broader decision-making to the driver. SAE International’s J3016 classification is widely used to describe levels of driving automation based on how responsibility is shared between the driver and the system, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). Mobileye also uses a different terminology based on driver involvement, such as eyes-on/hands-on, eyes-on/hands-off, eyes-off/hands-off, and “no driver.”

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History of self-driving car development

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