The increase in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles is attracting attention. In 2023, global sales of new cars equipped with autonomous driving systems reached approximately 53.55 million units. It is projected to surpass 60 million units by 2025. However, the majority of these (approximately 28.46 million units) will be Level 2 (driver assistance). While autonomous vehicles are gaining attention, challenges remain. In May 2016, a Tesla autonomous vehicle was involved in a collision with a trailer. Since then, autonomous driving capabilities have steadily improved. Under certain conditions, they have reached a level that they can drive more safely than humans without causing accidents. Autonomous driving levels for automobiles are classified into six stages from 0 to 5, with Level 2 (partial driving automation) currently being the mainstream. Level 3 (conditional driving) is being used in some areas, such as on highways. Level 4 refers to fully autonomous driving under specific conditions, and Level 5 refers to fully autonomous driving in all environments.
Currently, luxury cars are equipped with over 50 microcomputers. A concern arising from the adoption of computers is the vulnerability of self-driving cars to cyberattacks. Several incidents have occurred in the past that autonomous driving systems malfunctioned. Of course, these accidents were investigated, and reproduction experiments were conducted. Experiments were even conducted to artificially recreate these accidents and malfunctions. For example, the car suddenly slowed down and stopped without the brakes being applied. This was achieved by the experiment team infiltrating the car’s control system and causing abnormal operation. By miniaturizing and installing specialized machinery in cars, such brake malfunctions can now occur anywhere. It has also become possible to install specialized equipment that connects to the internet and use smartphones to cause various abnormal behaviors in cars. The conclusion was that, in response to cyberattacks, mechanisms to encrypt data communications within the car and technologies to prevent unauthorized intrusions need to be developed.
Once the mechanisms that cause accidents are understood, technologies to prevent them can be developed. Through trial and error, it seems that the practical application of Level 5 autonomous driving vehicles in electric vehicles is just around the corner. With Level 5 technology, the interior structure of cars will be able to take on a variety of designs different from current automobiles. Employees from the same company department could carpool during their commute, creating a dedicated space and time for meetings within the car. This would shorten lead times after arriving at work. For schoolchildren, a service could be added that the AI installed in the taxi informs them about the topics and key points they will be studying at school that day. Furthermore, for elderly people going to the hospital, the car could act as a mobile clinic, providing services such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse checks while they are in the car. The future looks rosy, but it seems that more ingenuity and effort from people will be needed to realize this paradise.
