An autonomous vehicle uses a complex system of sensors (cameras, radar, LiDAR), actuators, and powerful AI algorithms to navigate and control itself.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has defined six levels of driving automation to classify their capabilities: - **Level 0 (No Automation):** The human driver performs all driving tasks.

- **Level 1 (Driver Assistance):** The vehicle can control either steering or acceleration/braking, but not both at the same time (e.

g.

, adaptive cruise control).

- **Level 2 (Partial Automation):** The vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/braking simultaneously (e.

g.

, lane-keeping with adaptive cruise control).

The driver must remain fully engaged and monitor the environment.

- **Level 3 (Conditional Automation):** The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to take back control when requested.

- **Level 4 (High Automation):** The vehicle can perform all driving tasks and monitor the driving environment in a specific, limited area (a 'geofenced' area).

Human override is not required in that area.

- **Level 5 (Full Automation):** The vehicle can perform all driving tasks under all conditions.

No human driver is ever required.

While Level 5 is still a long-term goal, Level 2 systems are common today, and Level 3 and 4 vehicles are emerging in specific applications like robo-taxis and autonomous freight.