Autonomous Vehicles
PurchaseWhile the technological feasibility of autonomous vehicles is being demonstrated by Google, Audi, Volvo, Bosch, and Continental, important obstacles such as high costs and the lack of a legislative framework remain in place. On the other hand, the multiple benefits of autonomous vehicles in terms of safety, cost savings, and efficiency, as well as positive impact on the economy and society as a whole, are driving research and development efforts globally. With ADAS-type features already being implemented on a wide scale, the next step for autonomous vehicles will materialize in the next decade. Fully autonomous, self-driving, robotic vehicles will start appearing between 10 and 15 years from now. The disruptive effects of autonomous driving are only just being discovered and its transformative impact on the auto industry and society as a whole will be huge with car sharing and declining vehicle ownership being two of the main exponents.
This study covers autonomous vehicle classification and types, use cases and applications, technology, main players and initiatives, impact and benefits, and remaining challenges and issues. Comparisons, analogies, and lessons to be learnt from other industries such as aviation and rail are briefly described. The report also provides forecasts for autonomous vehicle shipments and technology value per type and region for the next 20 years.