The Unmanned Technology Gap Between China and the US
As we stand at the threshold of a new era in transportation, the question on everyone’s mind is: where is the gap between China and the US in unmanned technology? The answer lies in the integration of resources, a unified definition of automation, and the willingness to push the boundaries of innovation.
The Road to Autopilot
Autopilot technology has been in development for decades, with significant milestones achieved in the 1970s and 1980s. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that the industry began to take shape. The DARPA Urban Challenge in 2007 marked a significant turning point, with Carnegie Mellon and Stanford University teams showcasing their capabilities.
Today, we see a clear divide between the US and China in terms of unmanned technology. While the US is still grappling with regulatory frameworks and industry standards, China has made significant strides in research and development.
SAE International Levels
The SAE International has established a unified definition of automation, with five levels of autonomy:
- L0: The driver is in full control of the vehicle.
- L1: The automatic system assists the driver in certain driving tasks.
- L2: The automatic driving system completes certain tasks, but the driver must monitor the environment and take over if necessary.
- L3: The automatic driving system can complete tasks without driver intervention, but the driver must be ready to regain control.
- L4: The automatic system can complete driving tasks without human intervention.
Autopilot System Design
The autopilot system requires careful consideration of the following factors:
- Dynamic driving task (DDT): The operation and decision-making behavior required for driving.
- Performing vehicle: Lateral motion of the vehicle, including steering, acceleration, and deceleration.
- Perception and judgment (OEDR): Longitudinal direction of the operating movement of the vehicle, including object and event detection, classification, and cognitive response.
- Dynamic driving task support (DDT Fallback): The need to consider systemic failure or circumstances beyond the original scope of the operation.
- Design operating range (ODD): A set of parameters that determine the capacity of the system in a safe environment.
Autopilot System Architecture
The autopilot system architecture consists of three main components:
- Perception layer: Camera, laser radar, and millimeter-wave radar.
- Computational processing: Algorithm provider and data processing.
- Network security and system security: Processing algorithm provider and data recording mechanism.
China’s Unmanned Technology
China has made significant strides in unmanned technology, with research and development projects underway since 2008. The country has established a clear business model, with major companies such as Baidu, Tencent, and Ali investing in the field.
Autopilot Industry Overview
The autopilot industry can be divided into four main categories:
- Automobile manufacturers: Production, design, test, and planned sale of cars.
- Automotive systems and component suppliers: Car manufacturers to sell parts or systems, mainly responsible for the production, design, and testing of these components/systems.
- Internet: V2X main modules and service providers.
- Autopilot system supplier: A whole system solution provider, has been through some vehicles on the basis of the production, design, supply of highly automated driving systems, or test, sales, operations the application of the product.
Conclusion
The gap between China and the US in unmanned technology is significant, but it is not insurmountable. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see significant advancements in research and development, with major companies investing in the field. The future of transportation is bright, and the road to autopilot is paved with innovation and progress.