Autonomous Vehicles Gain Legal Ground as Trucking and Robotaxi Sectors Expand
The autonomous vehicle industry achieves major legal milestones in 2021 with Japan and Germany approving Level 3 driving, while self-driving trucks and robotaxis attract massive investments.
The autonomous vehicle sector takes important strides forward in 2021 as Japan and Germany officially approve conditional eyes-off Level 3 driving on public roads. This new legislation establishes legal requirements for Automated Lane Keeping System technology, with Mercedes claiming to be the first automaker to satisfy these international standards. The UK and additional EU countries are expected to follow this regulatory lead in 2022.
Autonomous trucking sees a sharp increase in news and investment throughout the year, driven largely by US and Chinese companies. Analysts predict the global autonomous truck market expands sevenfold from 2021 to 2031, though widespread driverless operation on public highways remains a few years away. Experts view 2025 as a more realistic timeline for the introduction of middle mile autonomous truck applications.
Robotaxis continue to accumulate significant test miles and attract considerable investment, with numerous new trials launching in the USA, China, Dubai, and Europe. Chinese robotaxi firms generate particularly high interest among readers. Despite this progress, the timeline for fully driverless robotaxis to achieve widescale public deployment remains uncertain.