Autonomous vehicles use sensors, cameras, AI, and radar to perceive their surroundings. Autonomous driving is categorized into six levels, from Level 0 to Level 5, according to the SAE International J3016 standard12.

Autonomous Vehicles - 6 Different levels

Level 0:
No Driving Automation 		The driver is in complete control of the vehicle, handling all tasks such as steering, braking, and accelerating. Some electronic systems like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Emergency Brake Assist (AEB) may assist in specific situations, but they do not automate driving.
Level 1:
Driver Assistance		 The driver is still fully responsible for driving but can be assisted by systems that support either steering or acceleration/braking, but not both simultaneously. Examples include lane keeping assist (LKA) or adaptive cruise control (ACC).
Level 2:
Partial Driving Automation 		Advanced driver assistance systems can control both steering and acceleration/braking simultaneously. The driver must still monitor the driving environment and be ready to take control at any time. An example is the combination of LKA and ACC.
Level 3:
Conditional Driving Automation 		The vehicle can manage most driving tasks, but the driver must be available to take over when the system requests. The system handles all aspects of driving in certain conditions, such as highway driving.
Level 4:
High Driving Automation 		The vehicle can perform all driving tasks and monitor the environment in specific conditions or areas. Human intervention is not required in these conditions, but the driver can take control if desired.
Level 5:
Full Driving Automation		 The vehicle is fully autonomous and can handle all driving tasks in all conditions without any human intervention. There is no need for a steering wheel or pedals.
Terminology:
  • Self-driving cars
  • Driverless cars
  • Robo-cars
  • Automated Vehicles
  • AI Vehicles