DRIVER ONLY
Here, the driver has sole control of the vehicle during the entire journey. He determines and regulates the speed with acceleration and deceleration (longitudinal guidance) and the steering (lateral guidance). Since assistance systems are standard nowadays, vehicles of this class are hardly ever produced. The cult car of the GDR, the Trabant, is an example of this vehicle class.

ASSISTED
The vast majority of automobiles on the road today belong to the assisted vehicle class. Here, the driver still has control over the steering and lateral control of the vehicle, but is supported by driving assistance systems depending on the situation – for example, emergency systems such as antilock brakes or comfort functions such as distance control, parking assistants or cruise control. In assisted driving, the driver assumes the function of monitoring and is the vehicle driver at all times.

PARTIALLY AUTOMATED
At the current state of the art, partial automation in vehicles is only used in certain relatively simple traffic situations. In such situations, the driver hands over control of steering and lateral control to the vehicle for a limited period of time – but must be ready at any time to intervene in the automated process and to correct errors. Initial prototypes already exist for partially automated functions: For example, a steering pilot automatically steers the vehicle by orienting itself to lane markings or to other vehicles in construction zones.

HIGHLY AUTOMATED
In contrast to partial automation, a driver in highly automated vehicles can devote his or her attention to things other than controlling the journey. The latest prototype developments, such as the Autobahn Pilot, take over complete control of the vehicle for a defined traffic situation. However, system limits are specified – if these are reached, the driver is called upon to act and must intervene. Due to the legally unclear situation, highly automated vehicles are currently not yet permitted in Europe.

FULLY AUTOMATED
The boundaries between highly automated and fully automated are fluid. Unlike high automation, full automation does not require the driver to be on standby. The vehicle performs all driving functions automatically in certain situations. Although it is not necessary, the driver can take over the wheel again if desired.

AUTONOMOUS
Autonomous vehicles are the highest level of automation: they do not need a driver at all and can move around in traffic completely independently. They make data-based driving decisions in any traffic situation. Many automakers are already working on concepts for autonomous mobility and have their sights set on very different areas of application, such as transportation and logistics solutions.