Rover Ops Track: Autonomy, Field Maintenance and Drones · Module 1 of 4 · about 15 min
How autonomous machines drive
SAE J3016 defines six levels of driving automation, from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (drives anywhere, in any conditions, with no human). At Levels 0 to 2 a human is driving even when features help. At Levels 3 to 5 the system drives within its operating conditions.
Every autonomous machine runs the same basic stack. Perception uses sensors like cameras, lidar and radar to see the world. Localization works out exactly where the machine is, using GNSS, inertial sensors and maps. Planning picks a safe path, and control turns the plan into steering, throttle and brakes.
Each sensor has weaknesses. Cameras struggle in glare and darkness, lidar can be affected by dust and heavy rain, and GNSS drops in pits and under cover. Systems combine sensors so one can cover for another. Dust and mud are why field techs clean and check sensors constantly.
Every autonomous system has an operational design domain (ODD): the conditions it was designed for, such as road types, speeds and weather. Outside its ODD it should slow down, stop safely or hand control back.
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Module quiz
5 questions, 4 correct to pass. You'll see what you missed and why, and you can retake it.