ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES BY - ASHISH KUMAR VERMA
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
AUTHORED BY - ASHISH KUMAR VERMA
Abstract:
There have been rapid advancements in
the field of Artificial Intelligences. From humanoid robots like Sophia to
concept vehicles everything has became reality which once existed only in myths
and fantasies. Apart from playing
assistive roles in our life now technology is ready to take on driver’s
seat. Technology and artificial
intelligence has become inseparable part of our life. Road accidents are one of
the major causes of death across the world. Apart from this vehicular
pollution, lack of parking facilities in megacities etc are some of the
concerns whose solutions Autonomous vehicles brings with them. The present
paper seeks viability of these vehicles from legal point of view. Efforts are
also made to point out various areas which will help in efficient rolling of
these vehicles.
Keywords : Artificial Intelligence
, Autonomous Vehicles , Self Driven
Vehicles .
I. INTRODUCTION
Development from fire to the wheel
can be taken as the best example of the phrase ‘Necessity is the mother of
invention’. Man has invented and discovered many objects and phenomena to make
his life easier and more comfortable. Before the development of transportation,
humans traveled on foot and then they started using pet animals for conveyance.
The first industrial revolution was the catalyst for the development of modern
transportation systems.[1]Bicycles,
trains, automobiles, trucks, airplanes, and trams were among the many new forms
of transportation invented in the 17th and 18th centuries. There has been rapid
advancement in the field of Artificial Intelligence in recent times, and field
of Transportation is also one of the sectors which is heavily influence by its
growth. Development of Autonomous Vehicles have attracted every ones attention
towards them.
The fourth
industrial revolution can revolutionize not only our perceptions of what is
possible but also how society works. In some ways, it will represent the
culmination of both the second and third industrial revolutions, which gave us
mechanized transportation and the internet in its current form. Keeping this in
mind, transportation is the industry that has the most potential for
breakthroughs and transformations. A strong legal framework is required
for any technology to reach its full potential because it serves the dual
functions of setting the boundaries for future research as well as directing
research in such a way that it acts as a force multiplier without suffocating
future research. Mobility, like medicine, has the shortcoming that if the
underlying technology is not well thought out; it can result in multifaceted
loss of resources both material as well as human. While if we closely monitor the
transport industry, we may conclude that on one hand, it has made our lives
very easy but it is imperative to remember that road accident is one of the
leading causes of deaths and loss of limbs and livelihoods in the world. And
this problem can be addressed by the use of technology in the right manner.
The majority of large cities around
the world confront transportation, traffic, and logistics difficulties. This is
due to the rapidly increasing human population as well as the expanding number
of automobiles on the road.[2]The
technology could be extremely helpful in designing and managing a sustainable
transportation system. Artificially
intelligent systems can detect patterns in large datasets and simulate complex
methods to enhance decision-making efficiency and resource allocation.[3]The
deployment and adoption of highly autonomous vehicles and improved traffic
management systems will be the most significant changes in the industry.
II. Artificial Intelligence: Meaning
and Definition
Artificial
can be said to be something that is non-natural i.e., something created by
humans and not by nature. Intelligence simply refers to the ability to
understand think and learn. Simply it can be said artificial intelligence is
the study of how to make computers do the things which humans can do the
better. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of Computer Science, which
mainly deals with the automation of intelligent behavior. This behavior we may
take from all spheres be off —the human, animal world, and vegetation. This concept was considered for the first time
by famous English Mathematician Alan Turing in his seminar paper “Computing
Machinery and Intelligence”[4], authored in 1950. Artificial intelligence
is also defined as the ability of a machine to perform the cognitive functions
of a human at ease. The phrase Artificial intelligence was initially coined by
John McCarthy, a computer scientist at Dartmouth Conference in 1956 and thus he
is also considered the Father of Artificial intelligence.[5] Due to the availability of massive volumes
of data created by numerous devices, as well as efficient hardware, software,
and network infrastructure, this six-decade-old notion has recently acquired
traction. The introduction of Artificial intelligence has enabled
process automation, resulting in innovative business solutions.
Defining Intelligence
Defining intelligence is a very
difficult task. As everyone has his or her own parameters to define it based on
his or her own experiences and views. According to the encyclopedia of artificial intelligence[6]‘Intelligence is the ability to reason and
to profit by experience. An individual’s level of intelligence is determined by
a complex interaction between their heredity and environment.’
If we go by the dictionary meaning
intelligence refers to ‘the exercise of
understanding: intellectual power: acquired knowledge: quickness of intellect.’ [7]
We need to
consider intelligence in a much broader sense, particularly if we are to
investigate intelligence in machines
Types of
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can be distinguished into two types
based on the functions and abilities it provides. The first is weak Artificial
Intelligence, also referred to as narrow Artificial Intelligence, which is
designed to perform a specific task, such as facial recognition, Internet Siri
search or self-driving car. Many current systems that claim to use “Artificial
Intelligence” is most likely weak Artificial Intelligence that focuses on a
narrowly defined specific function. Many researcher’s long-term goal is to
develop strong Artificial Intelligence, or Artificial General Intelligence
(AGI), which is the speculative intelligence of a machine that can understand
or learn any intellectual task that a human can, thus assisting humans in
solving the problem at hand. While narrow Artificial Intelligence may
outperform humans in tasks such as chess or problem solving, its impact is
still limited. Artificial General Intelligence, on the other hand, has the
potential to outperform humans in nearly every cognitive task. Strong AI is a
different view of Artificial Intelligence in which it can be programmed to act
like a human mind, to be intelligent in whatever task it is given, and even to
have perception, beliefs, and other cognitive abilities normally only
attributed to humans.
III. Artificial Intelligence in
present times
“[AI] is going to change the world more than anything in the history of
mankind. More than electricity.”—[8]Dr. Kai-Fu Lee
From myths and fables to realistic
Humanoid robots like SOPHIA by Hanson Robotics who can express feelings and
communicate like a human, the journey of the development of Artificial
intelligence has been remarkable. We have to keep doing innovations in artificial
intelligence. The day is not far when
humans will have artificially intelligent companions beyond toys like AIBO or
Furby. Someday, Artificial Intelligence and humankind might coexist in a
fashion where it will be very difficult to differentiate between humans and
humanoids. Artificial Intelligence is profoundly changing society in ways we
could never have predicted. From unlocking our smart phones to our day-to-day
activities, online shopping, intelligent car dashboards, autonomous robots, and
so on, technology is holding fast to us in every aspect of our lives. Though
the concept of Artificial Intelligence was first discussed in the early 1950s,
laying the groundwork for many computer learning and complex decision-making
processes, it is only now that this field of technology is gaining traction. It
is indisputable that the technology sector has seen a wide range of changes
over the years.
IV. Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles which are sometimes also
referred driverless vehicles are vehicles that use a variety
of sensors, cameras, radar, and robotics technologies to travel between
destinations without human interference. Various companies across the world
like BMW, Ford, Apple, Google, Waymo, etc. are trying to develop Autonomous
vehicles for more safe and efficient driving experiences. According to Gartner Glossary [9]“An autonomous vehicle is one that can drive itself from a
starting point to a predetermined destination in “autopilot” mode using various
in-vehicle technologies and sensors, including adaptive cruise control, active
steering (steer by wire), anti-lock braking systems (brake by wire), GPS
navigation technology, lasers, and radar.”
A
glance at the communications of many car manufacturers, suppliers, and
technology companies shows that they usually refer to ‘automated driving’, and
only rarely to ‘autonomous driving’. The former term is the umbrella term that
includes several phases of automation beginning with driver assistance systems.
The latter describes the ?nal stage of automation, the situation in which a
system takes over all steering, accelerating, and braking maneuvers. In this
phase, a person is out of the loop and the car is able to act totally alone at
all times and in all traffic situations. Vehicles that have reached this stage
can be described as autonomous, driverless, or self-driving. In short, the term
automation is used to express the self-acting aspect of a machine. Autonomy
goes beyond that and means the self-governing ability of an entire system. John
McCarthy who is also one of the founding fathers of artificial intelligence -
described something very similar to the modern-day autonomous vehicle in his
essay ‘Computer-Controlled Cars’. He
referred to an automatic chauffeur as being capable of navigating on public
roads through television camera inputs
that use the same visual input available to the human driver. [10]He
stated that users will be able to enter a destination using a keyboard, which
would then prompt the car to immediately drive them to the desired location.
V. Various components used in Autonomous
Vehicles
“Source:
Andreas Herrman, Walter
Brenner ,et.al., Autonomous Driving: How the Driverless Revolution Will
Change the World.”
Cameras
Cameras are like the eyes of Autonomous Vehicles. Camera
Systems makes use of CMOS image sensors with a high-definition ability of 1 to
2 megapixels. Mono and stereo cameras in combination with radar systems provide
a very precise evaluation of speed and distance as well as the outlines of
obstacles and moving objects. Cameras provide visuals to the Electronic
Processing Unit in a similar fashion our eyes provide them to the brain for
Autonomous Vehicles to function efficiently good image processing unit is very
important. Today’s automobiles rear and 360° video systems
usually have a centralized processing system which means that a central control
unit processes the raw data of four to six cameras. Since the processing is
done in software, the processor also faces tough requirements.
Radars
Radar sensors are used for both
short-range [11](24 GHz) and
long-range (77 GHz). They are located in the front and back of the vehicle and
are used basically to monitor the traffic. Objects measuring from a few centimeters
to measuring to Kilometers can be measured. Advanced Driver Assistance System
uses several radar sensors which play a crucial role in the functioning of
Autonomous Vehicles. In this technology, radio waves are used to detect and
locate objects.
Lidar:
This is similar to radar technology.
Lidar refers to Light Detection and Ranging.
In this technology, object detection is done by use of light. As
compared to radar it is newer and requires a highly sensitive receiver. Creates
an accurate 3D map of a vehicle’s surroundings and also Operates well in low
light It is used primarily to measure distances of stationary as well as moving
objects, system here employs special procedures to provide three-dimensional
images of the detected objects.
There are two general trends in the
automotive market for the future: infrared LIDAR systems that works with the
aid of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS), use a rotating laser, or a
solid-state LIDAR.
Positives
of Lidar technology
§ Very
accurate picture of surrounding and can be created in 3 Dimension.
§ It
also works effectively in low-light scenarios.
§ Results
obtained are very consistent.
§ Results
obtained are very quick and laser beams take less than a nanosecond to travel.
§ Data
can be collected from a variety of locations like mountains, dense forests,
etc.
§ This
is less expensive as compared to other techniques
Visual
Technology
Some
versions of Tesla’s Autopilot and Intel’s Mobil eye use the highly reliable visual, camera-based
approach to self-driving, as opposed to laser-radar (LIDAR)
technology.
·
Can work in
environments where Lidar can’t for example in bad weather
conditions
·
is much cheaper than
LIDAR
·
Less obtrusive to vehicle design.
But to make it work, visual technology demands massive computing power, to crunch all the visual data.
Aerial
on back of the car for determining vehicles location
An
aerial on the back of the car receives information about the exact location of
the car, with the help of Geo Positioning Satellites. The vehicles’s GPS inertial navigation unit works
with the sensors to help the car localize itself. But GPS estimates may be off
by several meters due to signal disturbances and other interferences from the
atmosphere. To minimize the degree of uncertainty, the GPS data is compared
with sensor map data previously collected from the same location. As the
vehicle moves, the vehicle’s internal map is updated with new positional
information displayed by the sensors.
Ultrasonic
sensors
An
ultrasonic sensor placed on one of the rear wheels helps in tracking the
movements of the vehicles and also alerts the vehicle about the obstacles in
the rear. These ultrasonic sensors are already in use in some technologically
advanced vehicles. Vehicles that offer automatic ‘Reverse Park Assist’
technology utilize such sensors which help them to navigate the vehicle into
tight reverse parking areas. Ideally, these sensors get activated when the
vehicle is engaged in the reverse gear.
Algorithms
to interpret road signs
Different
software is programmed to correctly interpret common road behavior and signs. For example, if a cyclist shows any signs
that he intends to move the driverless car interprets it correctly and slows
down to allow him to move. [12] Predetermined shape and motion descriptors
are programmed into the system which helps the car in making decisions. For
instance, if the car detects a two-wheel object and determines the speed of the
object as ten miles per hour rather than fifty miles per hour, the car
instantly interprets that this vehicle is a bicycle and not a motorbike and it
runs accordingly. Several such programs are needed in the car’s central
processing unit which works together to help the car make safe and intelligent
decisions on busy roads.
SIFT
SIFT
(scale-invariant feature transform) algorithms detect objects and interpret
images. For example, for a triangular sign, the three points of the sign are
entered as features. A car can then easily identify the sign using those
points.
Adaboost for data classification
This algorithm[13]
collects data and classifies it to boost the learning process and performance
of vehicles. It groups different low-performing classifiers to get a single
high-performing classifier for better decision-making.
Text on boost for object detection
These are the algorithms
used for data collection and classification so that it can be used effectively
in increasing the learning process and performance of the vehicle. It groups different low-performing classifiers to
get a single high-performing classifier for better decision-making.
Histogram of oriented gradients (HOG)
These are the algorithms
used for the analysis of the movement of objects.
Machine learning methods
Autonomous vehicles make use of various hardware and
software’s to collect and analyze information collected through various sensors[14]. In order to have better object detection and
visualization vehicles need to have greater precision with regard to data
processing abilities are concerned. With the increase in automation level technicalities
and complexities also increases. [15]To make real-time driving decisions, Autonomous
vehicles rely on algorithms developed using a subset of Artificial Intelligence
known as machine learning. Machine learning is concerned with developing
computer algorithms that can automatically generate simulation solutions for
new data without the need for a programmer to provide the solution.
Different
types of machine learning algorithms are being used for various purposes in
autonomous vehicles. Data processing becomes more efficient by employing
suitable machine learning algorithms. Machine learning algorithms help
Autonomous Vehicles in collecting and interpreting data that it is collecting
from various sensors and cameras placed in various locations in cars. Sometimes
machine learning also helps in performing various functions even in a better
manner and with greater efficiency than natural persons.
VI.
Levels of Automation
The
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined 6 levels of driving
automation ranging from 0 which is fully manual to 5 which is fully autonomous.
These levels have been adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation. [16]Researchers say
that by 2025 there will be approximately 8 million autonomous or
semi-autonomous vehicles on the road. Before running on roads, these cars will
have to pass rigorous testing phase. Different car manufacturers apply
different approaches to the development of Autonomous vehicles. Traditional car
manufacturers use the traditional evolutionary concept which starts from no
automation to furthering upwards but if we see the approach of Tech giants like
Tesla , Wayno etc., they have been trying to develop Autonomous vehicles since
from start.
VII.
International Laws relating to Autonomous Vehicles
The rapid growth of the Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
industry has inspired legislators and regulators around the world to create
policy frameworks and regulations to allow for the safe testing and development
of the technology. Over the last two decades, the autonomous vehicle industry
has progressed a lot and has moved from science fiction to a very plausible
reality in present times. The credit for
developing this industry at a very rapid phase certainly goes to significant
advances in the field of science and technology, especially in the field of
Artificial Intelligence. In order to make the journey of Autonomous vehicles
smoother digital and legal infrastructure around the world need to be
strengthened and major countries around the world have taken initiatives in
this direction.
Geneva and Vienna convention
The
Geneva Convention[17]
and Vienna Convention[18]
are international agreements that list the basic rules for road traffic,
drivers, and vehicles. The Geneva Convention states that driver is any person
who guides the vehicles that may automobile or driver by any animal. He should
be able to change its direction and should be able to control them in physical
manner. Similarly Vienna
Convention also states that every moving vehicle or combination of vehicles
shall have a driver[19]
and that every driver shall possess the necessary physical and mental ability
and be in a fit physical and mental condition to drive[20].
These laws have been central to the discussion on allowing Autonomous vehicles
on public roads due to their definitions of ‘driver.’ The Vienna Convention,
however, also states that: “Vehicle systems that influence the way vehicles
are driven and are not in conformity with the aforementioned conditions of
construction, fitting and utilization, shall be deemed to be in conformity …
when such systems can be overridden or switched off by the driver”[21]
This paragraph opens up the meaning of ‘driver’ to an interpretation that may
allow a high level of automated driving as long as a driver can override or
switch off the automated system. The Geneva and Vienna Conventions place a high
value on the concept of the driver. The concept of a driver serves as a
starting point for establishing rules to ensure safe road traffic interaction
depending on the situation.
United Nations regulations of Automated Lane Keeping Systems(ALKS)
The Regulation’s objective is to provide consistent
requirements for vehicle certification in relation to Automated Lane Keeping
Systems. Without additional driver input, ALKS regulates the vehicle's
lateral and longitudinal movement over lengthy periods of time. ALKS is a
vehicle control system in which the activated system is in primary control. The
resolution defines[22]Automated Lane-Keeping System (ALKS) for
low-speed application is a system that is activated by the driver and which
keeps the vehicle within its lane for a traveling speed of 60 km/h or less by
controlling the lateral and longitudinal movements of the vehicle for extended
periods without the need for further driver input. Within this Regulation, ALKS
is also referred to as ‘the
system’.
General
standards for system safety and failsafe reaction are also included in this
regulation. When the ALKS is turned on, it will take over some functions from the driver, i.e., it will
handle all scenarios, even failures, and it will not jeopardize the safety of
the vehicle's occupants or other road users. However, the driver always has the
option to overrule the system at any time. ALKS can be activated in specific
circumstances on roadways that restrict pedestrians and bicycles and are
designed with a physical barrier that separates traffic traveling in opposing
directions and prevents vehicles from crossing across the vehicle’s path. This
Regulation sets a maximum operational speed of
sixty km/h for passenger automobiles.
The European Union
With
present technology, the European Union has a comprehensive set of rules that
regulate traffic. However, in European Union law, there is no legal definition
of ‘driver’ or ‘driving.’ Nonetheless, the term “drivers” is mentioned in the
Third Driving License Directive.[23]
Despite significant efforts in this area, in European Union also there appears
lack a regulatory framework for automated driving. The European Commission's
study On the Road to Automated Mobility:
an EU Strategy for Future Mobility[24] is
crucial in this regard. The Commission offers a systematic European Union
approach to connected and automated mobility, outlining a clear,
forward-thinking, and ambitious European agenda. One of
the objectives of the agenda is to ensure that the European Union's
legal and policy frameworks are ready to support the deployment of safe,
connected, and automated mobility.
VIII.
Indian Laws relating to Autonomous Vehicles
For Autonomous vehicles to run on
roads it is necessary they should be included in the legal framework of the
country. Provisions should be included in the regulatory framework providing
and surrounding motor vehicles in India. There is currently no special
legislation in India to control Autonomous or self-driving vehicles.
Motor vehicles act 1988 (“MV ACT”)
The Motor
Vehicles Act of 1988
lays down the minimum age for driving a vehicle, as well as the liability and
registration of the vehicle. Section 2(9) [25]
defines the term driver as the person
who controls the steering of the vehicle. It also provides that no motor
vehicle may be driven without a valid driving license.[26]
Similarly section 2(10) defines a Driving license which is issued by competent
authority to person above the age of eighteen years. Section 2(28)[27]
and section 2(30)[28]
defines a motor vehicle and motor vehicle owner. It says that vehicle should be
registered in the name of owner but in case of Autonomous vehicles one major
issue which surfaces is that who will be considered owner that is manufacturer
of the supplier if software which operates and controls the vehicles. The Act
makes it the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner to ensure that the
aforementioned provisions are followed. The question is whether such responsibilities
of the vehicle owner would still exist in the age of self-driving cars.
Appropriate amendments in the Act to allow for a special type of license for
autonomous vehicles or none at all. Also, the present age bar seems to be
redundant in the case of the operation of autonomous vehicles as Artificial
Intelligence would operate the vehicle.
Consumer protection act, 2019
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019[29] governs damages resulting from
negligence, manufacturing defects, design defects, failure to warn, misrepresentation,
unfair trade practices, and breach of warranty. In the event that Autonomous
vehicle is involved in an accident, the issue of liability may lead to legal
complications. Manufacturers will be held to a higher standard of
accountability than they are currently held to. In addition, the CPA
establishes the right to consumer education.[30]The
consumer will need to be properly educated on how self-driving vehicles work
and how to remain calm and in control in the event of an emergency. Because
driverless technology eliminates the possibility of human mistakes,
accountability for a flaw in goods or a deficiency in services would fall on
either the manufacturer or the technology supplier, depending on the situation.
Given that customer concerns regarding liability could be a stumbling block to
the acceptability of self-driving cars, a solution must be found.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, under
section 2(34) defines product liability So, if we regard Artificial
Intelligence to be a product, the manufacturer is fully responsible for
whatever harm it causes. However, another concern is whether Artificial
Intelligence is a service or a product, because it is essentially a large piece
of programming code, and programming code loaded in a system is often seen as a
service rather than a product. Rather than product responsibility, these
situations are typically considered a breach of warranty.[31]Furthermore,
it is possible that the owner or driver of a fully autonomous vehicle caused
the accident, in which case the manufacturer, software developer, or both will
be held liable for any damages caused by the autonomous car. As a result,
regulations must be made to assign liability and specify the scope of
contributory negligence in order to eliminate ambiguity and assign
responsibility to the appropriate party which is an arduous task.
Information technology act, 2000
One of the most important Acts which
will play a crucial role in the protection of owners’ rights is the information
technology act 2000. As Autonomous vehicles require and process a huge amount
of data. Protection of these data can be provided under this act, as currently,
India doesn’t have specific legislation relating to data protection. Privacy
and data protection would primarily come under the Information Technology Act, 2000[32](‘IT
Act’) and Information Technology (Reasonable security practices and procedures
and sensitive personal data or information) Rules, 2011 (‘IT Rules’) which
provides for the protection of Sensitive Data and Personal Information (“SDPI”). Section 2(k)[33]defines
computer resource. Section 66 of the
IT Act classifies hacking as the situation where someone who, with the intent
to cause wrongful loss or damage, or knowledge of the same – “destroys,
deletes, or alters any information in a computer resource, or diminishes its
value, or affects it injuriously.”[34]The
scope of such regulations will be needed to be expanded to account for
circumstances in which a hacker can take entire control of a vehicle by hacking
into a computer or a central processor that controls autonomous cars and
traffic coordination. In addition, laws will need to include measures for the
security and appropriate use of passenger data, as well as the growing threat
of hackers, cyber espionage, and conflict.
Geospatial Policy 2021
Since Autonomous Vehicles require to
process huge amount of data hence
Geospatial policy can play vital role in these vehicles as now data and can
freely shared and licensed even to foreign companies.
IX. Challenges relating to Autonomous
Vehicles
In
present times the automotive industry is going through a paradigm shift.
Vehicles were made by humans to make transport of people and goods easier and
convenient[35],
in over the past years purpose has remained the same but vehicles have become
more intelligent comfortable, and secure. All this is possible because of
various technological innovations. If we talk about Autonomous Vehicle, they
are on the verge of becoming reality from people’s imagination. Automated
vehicles have become a hot topic in present times. Challenges relating to
Autonomous Vehicles can be technological or Non technological challenges like
ethical challenges. In case of any accident vehicles driver is generally
expected to take control of vehicles but in fully autonomous vehicles only
vehicles is there to handle such situations which make people a little awary of
these vehicles.
Similarly if we see a driver learns a lot from
his past experiences which he utilizes while driver which can come handy in
case of autonomous vehicles similarly ethical issues like whom to save in case
of vehicles like if accident occurs whom the vehicle is expected to save that
is to save owner who has invested money or poor frailing pedestrian[36]
, all these can be potent challenges for developers which time will witness how they get sorted
out.
X. Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles in
India
In
India, autonomous vehicles will face a number of problems, including the
following:
Infrastructure
Road
infrastructure is still evolving and far from equivalent to those seen in the
Western world. Because the quality of roads and network service in the country
is still inconsistent and autonomous vehicles require high-speed connectivity,
which is limited to urban areas.
Economics
In
the west, ride-hailing and ride-sharing applications are the key drivers of autonomous
car adoption. In some areas, hiring a driver is prohibitively expensive. In
India, on the other hand, hiring a driver is still inexpensive. For acceptance
in high-growth economies like India, the cost of automobiles incorporating
these technologies must be competitive.
Connectivity
and network
Autonomous
vehicles will only be successful if they are part of a network of autonomous
vehicles and an advanced eco-system that works together to drive. Even advanced
countries are at least 5 years away from commercializing driverless vehicles in
some shape or another, despite numerous testing.
Data
related problems
Autonomous
vehicles run on the concept of connected technology[38].
This implies that a huge amount of data will be processed and produced by these
vehicles. It is imperative on the part of the Government to provide a robust
data protection mechanism so that user’s data can be protected and preserved
effectively. In India, the focus on autonomous vehicles will be on supporting
the driver in order to make roads safer, rather than on replacing them. It is
expected that, autonomous vehicles will be available in India by 2025, at least
at Level 3, which corresponds to partial automation. When it comes to
driverless vehicles, safety is a huge worry. As the number of electronic
components in autonomous vehicles has grown, so has the surface of attack.
XI.
Way forward
The World Automobile industry is
moving towards automation. Many cars today have assisted driving technology and
it won’t be long before we see a fleet of cars that don’t have anyone in the
driver’s seat. Almost every company in
the world is trying to progress in this direction by assimilating the best
available technologies. The ultimate aim is to achieve automation of Level 5[39].
Some of the points which can help in the effective rolling of this technology
are as follows –
·
Regulatory
frameworks around the world today revolve around the notion of the driver.
Since Autonomous Vehicles possibly will not have any physical driver in the driver’s
seat hence it becomes crucial that appropriate legislation should be made or
existing ones should be amended. The phase at which technology is changing at
the same phase law also need to be changed else they can prove to be major
hurdle.
·
Since
Autonomous Vehicles are heavily dependent on the use of Artificial Intelligence
and if Artificial Intelligent entities are taking such important decisions
which could have a direct effect t on our lives, then regulation of A.I.
becomes more important through appropriate legislation at the state and global
level. At present only European Union
proposed and attempted to reregulate it through specially dedicated Act in
2021.
·
Since
Autonomous vehicles Internet of Things (IoT) effort should be made to provide
reliable digital infrastructure as connectivity is one of the major issues even
today.
·
Apart
from connectivity data issue is also an area of concern. As a huge amount of
data will be generated by these vehicles protection and sharing of it also
raises many issues, hence efforts should be made at the national and
international level by means of suitable legislation so that data can be shared
without adequate safety and security.
·
Efforts
should be initiated to incorporate machine-readable signs and symbols.
·
Public
Perception plays a very important role in the success of any innovation and
technology hence adequate steps and programmers should be floored so that
people are not hesitant about adopting these vehicles as for year’s people are
accustomed to seeing the driver in the driver’s seat and it can be quite
surprising if he disappears all of sudden.
·
Different
countries have different traffic rules and sign and to code them into a machine
learning software is not practically feasible for companies which can prove too
costly hence efforts should be made to frame uniform rules.
Conclusion
Life nowadays is heavily dependent on
technology which has become a very vital part of our lives as it makes our life
easier and more comfortable. The automobile industry is one of the sectors
which has felt the impact of growing technologies and Artificial Intelligence
in recent time times. The emergence of concept vehicles is one of the fine
examples of this. Hendrith[40] Vanlon Smith quote “Cars are evolving to
match the new paradigm. Soon, things like steering wheels, pedals, and
rear-view mirrors will seem ancient. More practically, we will all be better
able to optimize our time and attention to focus on more important tasks,
family, work, and self-care.” This shows the significant
progress made in this direction. Autonomous Vehicles as the name suggests refers to vehicles
that can drive themselves without any human intervention. They are also
sometimes referred to as driverless, self-driving, or robotic vehicles. The
desire for autonomous automobiles is not new, despite the fact that the
traditional automobile provides individuals with control and power over a
vehicle, as well as the feelings of freedom, mobility, pride, and joy.[41]
For decades, Autonomous Vehicles have been discussed in great detail, firstly
as science fiction and then followed by many scientific articles. The ability
of automated vehicles to handle a varied variety of traffic circumstances is
critical for their ongoing development. It seems very coherent that suitable
momentum for the development of autonomous vehicles has already been set and
the world is gearing in this direction at a very adaptive phase.
[1]
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(November 2018) available at https://www.ukessays.com/essays/history/how-did-transportation-change-during-the-industrial-revolution.php?vref=1
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[2]Lakshmi
Shankar Iyer, “AI enabled applications towards intelligent transportation”Transportation
Engineering 2 (September 2021) available athttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.treng.2021.100083
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[3]Takeyoshi
Imai, “Concepts of Automobiles, Autonomous Driving, Driving, and Drivers” 5 Kenshu
822 (2016).
[4]
A.M. Turing, “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” 236, Mind A Quaterly
Review of Psychology and Philosophy 433 (October 1950).
[5]Yanyan
Dong, JieHou, at. al.,“Research on How Human Intelligence,
Consciousness, and Cognitive Computing Affect the Development of Artificial
Intelligence” 1680845HindawiComplexity10 (2020) available at https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1680845(last
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[6]
Juan Ramón RabuñalDopico, Encyclopedia of Artificial Intelligence, 2008
[8]The
Future of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Will Change the World available
at: https://builtin.com/artificial-intelligence/artificial-intelligence-future/
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[9]
https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/autonomous-vehicles
[10]The
history of self-driving car available at
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/history-of-self-driving-cars-milestones/#dt-heading-the-driverless-dream-begins
(last visited on June 12, 2022).
[11] David Coffin, Sarah Oliver,
Building Vehicle Autonomy: Sensors, Semiconductors, Software and U.S.
Competitiveness, Office of Industries,2020.
[12]Supra
note 8
[13]WenyangWang ,The
improved AdaBoost algorithms for imbalanced data classification,Information Sciences ,Volume
563, 2021
[14] How Machine Learning in Automotive
Makes Self-Driving Cars a Reality Available at
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[15] Supra note 10.
[16]JörgenFrohm, Johan Stahr“ Levels of
Automation in Manufacturing”, international journal of ergonomics and human
factors ,vol 30 .2008
[17] The Geneva Convention on road
traffic of 1994.
[18] the Vienna Convention on road traffic 1968.
[19] Supra note 5 , Article 8(1)
[20]id,. Art. 8(3)
[21]id ,. Art. 8(5)
[22] United Nations Economic and Social
Council, Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to
Automated Lane Keeping Systems, article 2.1
[23] European Union, “Directive
2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 20 December 2006 on
Driving Licenses”Official Journal of the European Union, 403–418 (2006).
[24]European Union, “On the road to
Automated Mobility: An EU strategy for mobility of the future” 283 (European
Commission, Brussels, May 17, 2018) available athttp://ec.
europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2018/EN/COM-2018-283-F1-EN-MAIN-P
ART-1.PDF. (last visited on June 18, 2022).
[25] The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988(Act
No. 59 of 1988), s. 2(9).
[27] Id., s. 2(28) “a ‘motor
vehicle’ or ‘vehicle’ which means any
mechanically propelled vehicle adapted for use upon roads whether the power of
propulsion is transmitted thereto from an external or internal source and
includes a chassis to which a body has not been attached and a trailer but does
not include a vehicle running upon fixed rails or a vehicle of a special type
adapted for use only in a factory or in any other enclosed premises or a
vehicle having less than four wheels fitted with engine capacity of
notexceeding1 [twenty-five cubic centimeters]”
[28] Id., s. 2(30). [28]‘owner’ means a person in whose name a motor
vehicle stands registered, and where such person is a minor, the guardian of
such minor, and in relation to a motor vehicle which is the subject of a
hire-purchase, agreement, or an agreement of lease or an agreement of
hypothecation, the person in possession of the vehicle under that agreement;
[29]The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
(Act No. 35 of 2019).
[30]Id., s. 18. “(1) The Central Authority shall— (a) protect, promote and enforce the
rights of consumers as a class, and prevent violation of consumers rights under
this Act; (b) prevent unfair trade practices and ensure that no person engages
himself in unfair trade practices; (c) ensure that no false or misleading
advertisement is made of any goods or services which contravenes the provisions
of this Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder; (d) ensure that no
person takes part in the publication of any advertisement which is false or
misleading.
[32]The Information Technology Act,
2000 (Act No. 21 of 2000).
[33] Id., s2(K) “computer resource? means a computer,
computer system, computer network, data, computer database or software.”
[34]) Id., s. 66.“Computer related offences.–If any person, dishonestly or fraudulently,
does any act referred to in section 43, he shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may
extend to five lakh rupees or with both.”
[35]
Transportation Research Board, National Automated Highway System Research
Program: a review, TRB Special Report 253, National Academy Press, Washington DC,
1998.
[36] A.H Herrmann , W.B Brenner , R.S. Stadler ,
Autonomous Driving: How the Driverless Revolution Will Change the World
Pageno.. 97, Emerald Publishing Limited, 1st ed. 2018.
[37]“Won't allow driverless cars in India:
Gadkari” The economic times , Sep 24,
2019 avialable at
<https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/wont-allow-driverless-cars-in-india-gadkari/articleshow/71282488.cms?from=md>(last
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[38]
The Four Problems With Economic Data In India available at
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(last visited on July 10, 2022).
[39] Philip
Koopman & Michael Wagner, “Challenges in Autonomous Vehicle Testing and
Validation” Carnegie Mellon University 2016.
[40] Andreas Herman Walter Brenner , et
al., Autonomous Driving : How the Driverless Revolution Will Change the World,
Emerald Publishing Limited , UK,2018 page 230.
[41]
J. Rosenzweig, M. Bartl,” A Review and Analysis of Literature on
Autonomous Driving, in: The Making of Innovation “ E-Journal, 157, 2015: