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Self-driving is not a single standardized concept; definitions vary across standards bodies, regulators, and vendors.
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.”
Self-driving is not a single standardized concept; definitions vary across standards bodies, regulators, and vendors.
ODD (operational design domain) is central: systems are expected to operate only within defined conditions, and may change behavior when the ODD changes.
SAE J3016 levels classify automation by responsibility for safe driving (driver vs system), while Mobileye uses driver-attention/hand-control categories.
ADAS automates specific driving functions but typically requires the human driver to handle tasks outside what the system supports.
A vehicle capable of operating with reduced or no human input, using sensors and software to control, navigate, and drive.
The specific conditions and circumstances in which an automated driving system is intended to operate safely.
Systems that automate specific driving features (e.g., collision warning, emergency braking, lane keeping) while requiring a human driver to handle unsupported tasks.
A system that provides driving automation beyond basic assistance, typically corresponding to higher SAE automation levels (Level 3+).
Autonomy means the system is under vehicle control and handles broader decision-making, while automation is often function-specific and leaves broader decisions to the driver.
A six-level framework (0–5) describing driving automation based on the role and responsibility of the driver versus the system.
A driver-involvement taxonomy describing automation by whether the driver’s hands and eyes are required (e.g., eyes-on/hands-on, eyes-on/hands-off, eyes-off/hands-off, no driver).
A system that depends on communication and/or cooperation with outside entities, rather than being fully self-sufficient.
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