Warum es noch immer keine selbstfahrenden Autos gibt

Summary

The video script discusses the current state of autonomous driving technology, highlighting the challenges and skepticism around fully self-driving cars. It contrasts the limited progress in Germany with the more advanced trials in the US, particularly with companies like Waymo and Cruise. The script also touches on the shift in focus from Level 4 autonomy to incremental improvements in Level 2 and 3 features, the complexities of sensor technology, and the potential of autonomous buses and trucks on predefined routes. It concludes with a look at energy efficiency and the Tipper App, which helps users save on electricity costs by providing real-time consumption data.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The expectation of fully autonomous cars is grand, but the reality is that they are not yet commonly available on German roads.
• 🔍 Some companies are pulling back from the autonomous driving sector or laying off staff due to the complexity and challenges involved.
• 🌐 The American companies like Waymo and Cruise seem to be further along in autonomous driving, but they still face limitations and challenges.
• 🗺️ Autonomous vehicles are often restricted to specific areas that have been meticulously mapped, and even then, they can get stuck.
• 🌧️ Weather conditions like rain or fog are still a significant challenge for autonomous driving systems due to sensor disruptions.
• 🚦 German manufacturers are focusing on Level 2 and 3 autonomous features, such as traffic jam assistants and automated highway driving, rather than jumping to Level 4 or 5.
• 🛣️ As of July 2021, Level 3 autonomous driving on highways up to 60 km/h is allowed in Germany, and from this year, speeds up to 130 km/h are possible.
• 🤖 Professor Steven Peters estimates that European manufacturers will continue to focus on special equipment like highway pilots up to 130 km/h and comfort functions for automated parking.
• 🚍 Autonomous buses and trucks are seen as more feasible as they can operate on predetermined routes, avoiding the complexity of general road traffic.
• 🔋 Energy efficiency is crucial for autonomous vehicles, and this is also important for consumers in their daily energy use at home.
• 🔋 The Tipper App is highlighted as a flexible eco-energy provider that allows users to monitor their energy consumption in real-time and save money and the environment by using energy when it's cheapest.
• 🎉 The video also promotes a discount for the Tipper Store using the code 'Watson', supporting the channel and its videos.

Q & A

What is the current status of fully autonomous vehicles in Germany?

As of the script's recording, fully autonomous vehicles, specifically Level 4, are not yet commonly seen on German roads despite being available in some form. Skeptics still have valid doubts about their future implementation.

Why are some companies withdrawing from the autonomous driving sector or laying off staff?

The complexity of developing autonomous vehicles that can operate in all conditions has proven to be a significant challenge, leading some companies to reassess their strategies, withdraw from the sector, or downsize their workforce.

What is the difference between the approaches of American and German manufacturers regarding autonomous driving?

American companies like Raymo or Cruise are focusing on developing Level 4 autonomous driving for specific, limited areas with pre-mapped roads, while German manufacturers are concentrating on Level 2 and 3 features, such as traffic jam assistants and automated highway driving, with less conspicuous sensors.

What are the limitations of current autonomous driving systems?

Current autonomous driving systems are often limited to specific areas with pre-mapped roads and struggle with unpredictable weather conditions like rain or fog, which can interfere with sensors.

What is the current legal status of Level 3 autonomous driving in Germany?

Since July 2021, Level 3 autonomous driving on highways at speeds up to 60 km/h has been allowed in Germany, and since 2022, it has been extended to speeds of up to 130 km/h.

What are the future expectations for autonomous driving features according to Professor Steven Peters?

Professor Steven Peters anticipates that European manufacturers will continue to focus on evolutionary development of special equipment like highway pilots up to 130 km/h and comfort features for automated valet parking, rather than jumping to Level 4 or Level 5.

Why are autonomous buses and trucks considered more feasible than autonomous passenger cars?

Autonomous buses and trucks can be operated on predetermined routes, avoiding the complexity of general road traffic and various weather conditions, making them more feasible in the current technological context.

What is the role of energy efficiency in the context of autonomous vehicles?

Energy efficiency is crucial for the operation of autonomous vehicles, especially electric ones, as it impacts both cost and environmental sustainability.

How does the Tipper App relate to the topic of autonomous vehicles?

The Tipper App is mentioned as an example of innovative energy management, which is relevant to the operation of electric autonomous vehicles that need efficient energy consumption.

What is the current challenge for autonomous trucking in terms of driver shortage in Germany?

Germany is facing a significant shortage of truck drivers, and autonomous trucks could potentially help address this issue by reducing the reliance on human drivers for transportation.

What are the factors that contribute to the complexity of developing autonomous driving systems?

Factors contributing to the complexity include sensitive sensor technology, challenging traffic situations, and the need for continuous improvement in safety standards to accommodate various exceptions and special cases.