#289: Way Mo Cruise news and is the Mercedes L2 or L3, w/Philip Koopman?
Oct 9, 2023
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Philip Koopman, CMU professor and autonomous vehicle safety expert, discusses the hands-off, eyes-off Mercedes Drive Pilot system and the uncertainties surrounding level three automation. The podcast also explores the importance of managing public perception in the autonomous vehicle industry and highlights the need for community engagement. The speakers share their experience at the Up Summit conference and discuss the redefining of autonomous terminology and regulations to improve safety outcomes.
The issue of liability for Level 3 autonomous driving systems, like Mercedes Drive Pilot, needs to be addressed, focusing on tort law and civil and criminal liability, not just product liability.
The handoff between the vehicle and the driver in Level 3 systems, such as Mercedes Drive Pilot, presents challenges and raises questions about the timeframe and division of responsibility during this transition.
Deep dives
The issue of liability with Mercedes' Level 3 Drive Pilot
Mercedes recently announced its Level 3 Drive Pilot system, which has generated significant media coverage. However, there is a crucial question that remains unanswered - the issue of liability. While Mercedes states that product liability is covered, this does not fully address the concerns. The question should revolve around tort law and civil and criminal liability, which are distinct from product liability. This discrepancy raises questions about who would be responsible in the event of a crash while the system is in control. There is a need for clarity and legal frameworks that ensure accountability.
The challenge of the handoff in Level 3 automated driving
One of the key concerns in Level 3 automated driving systems is the handoff between the vehicle and the driver. Mercedes' Drive Pilot, touted as Level 3, presents challenges when it comes to the handoff. Questions arise about the timeframe in which the driver is expected to take over control when alerted. While Mercedes has mentioned owning product liability for any software failures, crucial questions remain regarding the handoff event and the division of responsibility between the vehicle and the driver during this transition.
The ambiguity of language and the use of the word 'autonomous'
The use of the word 'autonomous' in media coverage and discussions about Level 3 systems, including Mercedes' Drive Pilot, has added confusion to the conversation. There is a need to clarify that these systems are advanced driver assistance systems and not autonomous driving systems. The SAE levels have created ambiguity that hinders clear communication and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the vehicle and the driver. Clarity in language and precise definitions are essential to ensure transparent discussions and appropriate regulations.
The need to address the shortcomings of the current levels and redefine regulations
The Mercedes Drive Pilot situation highlights the need for a reevaluation of the current levels used in regulations. There should be an alternative approach that removes the reliance on the levels and focuses on the concept of duty of care. A duty of care definition would delineate when the vehicle holds responsibility and when the driver is responsible, leading to clarity and accountability. This shift would present an opportunity to pressure manufacturers to prioritize safety and encourage improved practices.
Alex and Kirsten riff on the most recent robotaxi news before they head off to the Up Summit in Dallas. With Ed gone this week, the duo turned to CMU professor, engineer and autonomous vehicle safety expert Philip Koopman swung by to discuss the hands-off, eyes-off Mercedes Drive Pilot system and whether it's really Level 3 automation.
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