Although there have been some setbacks in recent years, the automotive industry is undergoing a transformative phase with the increasing adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Automated Driving (AD) technologies. This shift is driven by regulatory requirements and consumer demand for safer and more comfortable transport. The development of Automated Driving Systems of Automation Level 3 and beyond requires significant investments in research, development, and validation to ensure safety and reliability. It is crucial to continuously check the strategic path to prevent falling behind in this field while
simultaneously addressing various other transformative initiatives. As the industry navigates these complexities, careful allocation of resources becomes essential.
Moreover, expansion decisions are imperative as companies enter new markets with differing regulations and unique traffic conditions. This necessitates further development and testing of functions tailored to specific regional demands, ensuring compliance and functionality across diverse environments. For example, in the case of so-called Robotaxis and MaaS transportation with Level 4 automation, there is a noticeable trend toward gradual deployment in new cities. This phased approach requires stepwise adaptation of technologies to meet local infrastructure complexities and varying traffic situations, and, therefore, calls for new approaches to scale operations effectively.
The complexity inherent especially in urban traffic dynamics, geometries and the resulting scenarios poses substantial challenges for automation technology but also for the safety assurance methodology. These are compounded by the introduction of new regulations mandating a more robust implementation of ADAS and AD features. For instance, compliance with standards such as the upcoming NHTSA’s FMVSS 127 rule for Automatic Emergency Braking Systems in light vehicles.