AV Glossary

An ADAS that provides steering and brake/acceleration support to the driver. In some vehicle, this may be through simultaneous use of the ACC and Lane Keeping Assistance functions. The driver must constantly supervise this support feature and maintain responsibility for driving.

An ADAS function that assists with steering and potentially other functions during parking maneuvers. The driver may be required to accelerate, brake, and/or select gear position. Some systems are capable of parallel and/or perpendicular parking. The driver must constantly supervise this support feature and maintain responsibility for parking.

A vehicle-based system that uses sensor inputs to detect a potential traffic safety issue, then warn the driver and/or make a brief automatic intervention to help mitigate or prevent a collision. This is distinct from Passive Safety Systems, such as seat belts, which mitigate damage and injury after a collision.

Cruise control that also assists with acceleration and/or braking to maintain a selected gap to the vehicle in front. Some systems can come to a stop and continue while others cannot.

A collective term for in-vehicle technologies that assist drivers in driving and parking functions, enhancing vehicle safety and road safety overall.

A broad term for computer systems that can gather, process and use information to simulate human learning and perform complex tasks. AI systems can help automated vehicles operate more safely and effectively.

An active safety function that uses sensors to detect potential collisions with a vehicle ahead, provides forward collision warning, and automatically brakes to avoid a collision or lessen the severity of impact. Some systems also detect pedestrians or other objects.

An ADAS function that uses sensors to detect potential collisions with a vehicle ahead and automatically steers to avoid or lessen the severity of impact. Some systems also detect pedestrians or other objects.

A vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without human involvement, using technologies such as radar, GPS, and computer vision.

An ADAS function that uses sensors to detect vehicles in the blind spot. Some systems provide an additional warning if the driver activates the turn signal.

A vehicle that uses internet and wireless network technologies to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and devices to improve safety and efficiency.

A system that uses cameras and sensors to monitor the driver’s attention and alertness, providing warnings or taking control if necessary.

An ADAS function that stabilizes the car to help the driver maintain control when going around curves or when steering in an emergency situation. It reduces the chance of a driver losing control of the vehicle.

An ADAS function that uses sensors to detect a potential collision with a vehicle ahead. Some systems also provide alerts for pedestrians or other objects.

An ADAS function that monitors a vehicle’s position within the driving lane and alerts the driver as the vehicle approaches or crosses lane markers.

An ADAS function that provides steering support to the driver in order to keep the vehicle in its lane. 

Technical terminology developed by SAE International and widely adopted to describe the various levels of automation technology in vehicles, from no automation to full self-driving.

Level 0: No automation — the driver must fully control all driving tasks.

Level 1: Driver assistance — the driver is in full control of the vehicle, but design includes some automated driver-assist systems (such as adaptive cruise control).

Level 2: Partial automation — the vehicle includes systems that can simultaneously control the speed and direction of the vehicle in specific conditions, with the driver still monitoring the driving environment and system’s performance at all times (such as automated parking systems).

Level 3: Conditional automation — the vehicle includes systems that can perform all driving tasks under a limited set of conditions, with the driver ready to take over when alerted by the system.

Level 4: High driving automation — the vehicle is capable of performing all driving tasks within specific conditions (such as only in daytime, or within a specific neighborhood), with no expectation that a driver will be asked to intervene when the vehicle is operating in those conditions.

Level 5: Full automation — the vehicle is capable of handling all driving tasks in any condition.

Short for Light Detection and Ranging. A sensor method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances to surrounding objects like other vehicles and pedestrians. It is used in some ADAS and automated driving functions.

A type of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn from and make predictions based on data, essential for developing autonomous driving algorithms.

An ADAS function that uses sensors to detect objects close to the vehicle during parking maneuvers.

An ADAS function that uses sensors to detect the presence of pedestrians in the vehicle’s path.

The practice of linking multiple vehicles together in a convoy, using connectivity and automated driving support systems. When vehicles are connected by radio or other technologies, the following vehicles can use braking and accelerating information from preceding vehicles to mirror the same actions to avoid the accordion effect from delayed braking and accelerating. Experts believe platooning may improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.

Short for Radio Detection and Ranging. Radar is a system that uses high-frequency waves to detect objects and calculate the direction and velocity of obstacles. Active safety systems, ADAS, and automated vehicles use radar to detect other vehicles, pedestrians or other objects.

An ADAS feature that uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the side or the rear of the vehicle while in reverse gear. Some systems also alert the driver to pedestrians or other objects.

The process of integrating data from multiple sensors (e.g. cameras, LIDAR, radar) to provide more accurate and reliable information for autonomous driving systems.

Communication systems that allow vehicles to communicate with each other (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), and other road users, enhancing safety and traffic management.