Page 39 - Zenith2024

| 2) Global Issues | 39

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) categorizes autonomous driving technology
into five levels, from Level 1 to Level 5. The final stage, Level 5, represents full automation
without the need for a driver. So far, China has achieved approximately Level 3, where
autonomous driving is possible on designated roads, but driver intervention is necessary
when variables such as inclement weather arise.

As autonomous driving services expand in China, driverless buses are also being prepared
to operate throughout the country. The Shenzhen city authorities have promoted that
these buses are equipped with China's most advanced autonomous driving systems,
capable of making decisions comparable to those of skilled drivers. Through this system,
the vehicle can be precisely controlled and driven on a predetermined route. Equipped
with high-definition cameras and radar, the buses can accurately detect surrounding
vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions in 360 degrees. An intelligent interactive display
screen provides real-time information on the surrounding traffic conditions detected by
the vehicle's sensors, the autonomous driving status, and the scheduled driving route.
Additionally, the buses accurately recognize lane markings and traffic lights and are
designed to handle various urban driving scenarios. For example, at intersections without
traffic lights, they can make unprotected left turns or navigate intersections with mixed
pedestrian and vehicle traffic. They can also identify and yield to vehicles that encroach on
their lane or construction zones.

It is said that it is not difficult to see self-driving cars throughout Chinese cities. However,
it has been reported that recently in Wuhan, taxi drivers have petitioned the city
transportation authorities to restrict the use of autonomous taxi services. This is because
they are on the verge of losing their jobs as auto-taxis go into operation.
The traditional taxi industry has been hit by a decline in revenue, and
one taxi company has appealed to the authorities, stating that 'robotaxis
are taking our jobs,' and requested restriction on the use of robotaxis.
Technological development is also important, but we think China needs
to think about countermeasures for people whose livelihoods are
determined by AI technology.

Kim JuEun (1-4)
gimjueun08@gmail.com