Have you ever wondered what the correct name is for cars that drive without human intervention? In the press, films and even official documents you can find dozens of terms: driverless car, robomobile, autonomous vehicle or just ghost car. But which one is correct from a technical and legal point of view? And why are some names used by engineers and others by marketers?
In this article we will examine not only the official terminology, but also hidden nuances that differentiate vehicle autonomy levels (from simple cruise control to no steering wheel at all). You will find out which technologies are already working on the roads today, and which remain the province of science fiction writers. And most importantly, you will understand why calling all such cars βdronesβ is as wrong as calling any smartphone iPhone.
Official names: what standards and laws say
From a legal point of view, the most accurate term is autonomous vehicle (AV). It is this definition that is enshrined in international standards, such as SAE J3016 (developed by the US Society of Automotive Engineers) and UN Regulation No. 157 (adopted by the UN Economic Commission for Europe). These documents classify machines according to levels of autonomy - from 0 (full human control) to 5 (complete autonomy).
In Russia, the terminology has not yet been unified, but in draft laws and GOSTs the following are most often found:
- π Unmanned vehicle (UV) β used in regulations of the Ministry of Transport and experimental legal regimes (for example, for testing in Moscow or Innopolis).
- π€ Robotic vehicle (RTV) β emphasis on AI and machine learning as key management technologies.
- π Autopilot car is a marketing term often used by manufacturers (for example, Tesla Autopilot or NVIDIA DRIVE).
It is important to understand that not all cars with autopilot function are self-driving. For example, Tesla Model 3 with the system Full Self-Driving (FSD) according to SAE classification it belongs to level 2 β it requires constant driver control, despite the name. But Waymo (subsidiary company Alphabet) tests cars level 4, which can drive without a person behind the wheel in limited areas.
Levels of autonomy: from cruise control to full drone
In order not to get confused in terms, let's look at 6 levels of autonomy according to SAE J3016 standard. This classification helps to understand how truly βunmannedβ a car is and where the boundaries of responsibility between a person and the system lie.
| Level | Title | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Without automation | The person has complete control of the car. No help systems. | Old models VAZ 2101, UAZ 469 |
| 1 | Management or assistance | The system can control one function: speed or steering. The driver must be prepared to intervene. | Adaptive cruise control (Toyota Safety Sense), parking assistance |
| 2 | Partial automation | The system controls speed and steering at the same time, but the driver is obliged to keep an eye on the road. | Tesla Autopilot, BMW Driving Assistant Professional |
| 3 | Conditional Automation | The car can drive without a driver in limited conditions (for example, on the highway), but the person must be ready to take control. | Honda Legend (Japan, 2021), Audi AI Traffic Jam Pilot |
| 4 | High automation | Full autonomy under given conditions (geofences, weather). The steering wheel and pedals may be missing. | Waymo One (taxi in San Francisco), Cruise (General Motors) |
| 5 | Full automation | The car drives everywhere and always without a person. Doesn't exist commercially yet. | Prototypes Apple Car, concepts Mercedes-Benz F 015 |
β οΈ Attention: Many manufacturers abuse the term "unmanned" for level 2-3 vehicles. For example, Tesla names his system Full Self-Driving, although in fact it requires constant driver control. This is misleading and can lead to accidents due to a false sense of security.
Technical names: what's hidden under the hood
In addition to legal terms, engineers use technical definitions, which describe the architecture and operating principles of systems. Here are the key ones:
- π§ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) β driver assistance systems, which automate individual functions (braking, lane keeping). They are not unmanned, but they are the basis for them.
- π‘οΈ Autonomous Driving System (ADS) β a full-fledged autonomous control system capable of replacing the driver in certain conditions (levels 3β5).
- π‘ V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) β technology for exchanging data between a car and infrastructure (traffic lights, other cars, cloud). Critical for level 4-5 drones.
- ποΈ Perception System β a set of sensors (lidars, cameras, radars) that βseeβ the world around them. For example, Waymo uses lidars Velodyne with a resolution of up to 128 rays.
Interesting fact: the term is often used in technical documentation "driverless car" (a car without a driver), but it does not reflect the level of autonomy. For example, Google Car (prototype Waymo) was driverless, but belonged to level 4 - that is, he could not drive everywhere. A Apollo from Baidu tested at both levels 2β3 (with a driver) and level 4 (in closed areas).
β οΈ Attention: If you see the phrase βsupports autopilotβ in the characteristics of a car, this does not mean that it can drive without a driver. Check SAE level - this is the only reliable guide. For example, Nissan ProPilot (level 2) and Ford BlueCruise (level 2+) require constant human attention.
What are drones called in different countries?
Terminology varies not only across levels of autonomy, but also across countries. This is due to cultural characteristics, linguistic nuances and local laws. Here is what such machines are called in different regions:
- πΊπΈ USA: Self-driving car (self-driving car), Autonomous vehicle (AV). Often used in state laws Highly Automated Vehicle (HAV).
- πͺπΊ Europe: Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) β emphasis on connectivity with infrastructure. In Germany - Autonomes Fahrzeug.
- π¨π³ China: (wΓΊ rΓ©n jiΓ shΗ qΓ¬ chΔ) - literally "a car without a person behind the wheel." Popular terms Robotaxi (for taxi) and Unmanned Vehicle.
- π―π΅ Japan: (jidΕ unten-sha) - "self-driving car". Company Toyota uses the term Chauffeur Mode for level 4 systems.
- π·πΊ Russia: GOST R 59426-2021 enshrines the term unmanned vehicle (UV), but are often found in the media robomobile or autonomous car.
It is curious that in some countries the terms emphasize not the absence of a driver, but purpose of the machine. For example, in Singapore and Dubai the concept is popular Autonomous Mobility-on-Demand (AMoD) - These are unmanned taxis or shuttles that can be called on demand. And in Sweden they are testing Autonomous Electric Shuttles β small electric buses without a driver for city routes.
Myths and Misconceptions: What the Names Really Mean
Marketing names are often misleading. Let's look at the most common myths:
- "Autopilot" = full autonomy. In fact: Tesla Autopilot - this is level 2, and Full Self-Driving (FSD) Doesn't live up to its name yet. Even Elon Musk admitted that FSD is not a "fully autonomous" system.
- "Drone" = a car without a steering wheel. In fact: Many Level 4 prototypes (e.g. Waymo) have a steering wheel and pedals in case of emergency control. And level 3 machines (for example, Honda Legend) do not differ in appearance from ordinary ones.
- "Robomobile" = car with AI. Fact: The term emphasizes robotic control, but not all such systems are based on artificial intelligence. For example, early versions Google Car used preloaded 3D maps rather than a neural network.
β οΈ Attention: If you see a news headline like βSelf-driving car crashes,β check level of autonomy and circumstances. Often we are talking about level 2 cars, where it is not the AI ββthat is to blame, but the driver who did not watch the road. For example, in an accident Tesla Model S in 2016 the system Autopilot did not recognize the white truck against the bright sky, but the driver did not react either.
Prospects and future: which names will become standard
Experts agree that in 5β10 years the terminology will be simplified, and the main ones will be:
- π Robotaxi β for commercial unmanned taxis (level 4). Already in use Waymo, Cruise and Yandex Self-Driving Group.
- π Autonomous Truck β for cargo drones (for example, TuSimple or Plus.ai).
- π Autonomous Shuttle β for public transport (projects Navya in France or 2getthere in the Netherlands).
- ποΈ Urban AV β for city cars with a limited traffic area (level 4).
At the same time, the term "self-driving car" may become a thing of the past, since it does not reflect the essence: in fact, we are not talking about the absence of a driver, but about redistribution of control between man and machine. For example, in the future we may see hybrid models where the driver takes control only in difficult situations (level 3) and spends the rest of the time doing other things.
Key trend - abandoning levels of autonomy in favor of use cases. Instead of saying "Level 4 machine", manufacturers will describe where and how she can drive without a driver. For example:
- π "Autonomous driving on highways at speeds up to 130 km/h" (level 3).
- ποΈ "A driverless taxi in the city center during the day" (level 4).
- ποΈ "Autonomous delivery of goods in closed areas" (level 4β5).
βοΈ How to distinguish a real drone from a marketing ploy
Legal nuances: what the law says about cars without a driver
Russia has had an experimental legal regime for testing drones since 2020, but there is no single federal law. Here are the key points:
- π Decree No. 1296 (2020): Allows testing of BTS on public roads in Moscow, Tatarstan and the Moscow region, subject to the presence of a backup driver.
- π¦ GOST R 59426-2021: Introduces terms BTS and autonomous control system (ACS), but does not regulate liability in case of an accident.
- βοΈ Draft law on BTS (2023): Proposes introducing mandatory insurance for drones and determining who is responsible for accidents (owner, manufacturer or operator of the system).
The situation in the world is heterogeneous:
- πΊπΈ USA: Each state makes its own laws. California allows Level 4 testing without a driver, and New York requires a backup.
- πͺπΊ EU: Valid from 2022
UN Regulation No. 157, which allows level 3 certification of machines (e.g. Mercedes DRIVE PILOT). - π¨π³ China: Beijing and Shanghai allowed commercial use robotaxi (level 4) in restricted areas.
β οΈ Attention: If you are planning to buy a car with an autopilot system, check is its use allowed in your region?. For example, Mercedes DRIVE PILOT (level 3) certified in Germany and the USA, but not in Russia. Using uncertified systems may result in fines or insurance issues.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about driverless cars
π€ Why are drones called differently in different countries?
Terminology depends on legal norms, cultural characteristics and level of technology development. For example, in the USA the emphasis is on autonomous vehicle (autonomous vehicle), as they are leading in development. In Europe they add connected (related) because V2X infrastructure is developed there. In Russia the term unmanned vehicle (UV) enshrined in GOST, but is often used in everyday life robomobile.
π Which cars already drive without a driver today?
As of 2026, commercially available:
- Waymo One (level 4) - driverless taxi in San Francisco and Phoenix.
- Cruise (Level 4) - Taxi in San Francisco (suspended after an incident in 2023).
- Mercedes DRIVE PILOT (level 3) - approved in Germany and Nevada (USA) for highway driving up to 60 km/h.
- Yandex Self-Driving (level 4) - tested in Moscow, Innopolis and Tel Aviv.
Drones in Russia not approved for commercial use without a backup driver.
β‘ Is it possible to buy a driverless car in 2026?
Fully driverless cars (level 5) not for sale. Maximum available:
- Machines with level 2 (Tesla Autopilot, BMW Driving Assistant) - require driver control.
- Machines with level 3 (Mercedes DRIVE PILOT) - allowed only in some countries and in limited areas.
The cost of such cars starts from 5 million rubles (for example, Mercedes S-Class with DRIVE PILOT). But remember: even these systems do not replace the driver completely.
π° How much does it cost to develop a driverless car?
Creating a Level 4 prototype costs $1β5 billion (according to McKinsey). Main costs:
- π§ Software and AI development - up to 60% of the budget.
- ποΈ Sensors (lidars, cameras) - up to 20%. One lidar Velodyne HDL-64E costs ~$80,000.
- π‘ Infrastructure (HD cards, cloud services) - up to 15%.
- βοΈ Certification and legal costs - up to 10%.
For comparison: project budget Waymo in 10 years exceeded $5 billion, and Apple spent on my Project Titan more 10 billion (no result yet).
π Who is to blame for the drone accident?
This is the most difficult legal issue. Now responsibility is distributed as follows:
- Level 2: Guilty driver (he is obliged to control the car).
- Level 3: Guilty manufacturer, if the system fails under permitted conditions. But the driver must be ready to intervene.
- Level 4: Guilty system operator (for example, a company Waymo), since there is no driver.
There are no clear standards in Russia yet. In 2023, the first accident involving a drone occurred in Moscow Yandex (Level 4), but the blame was placed on the other driver. However, if the AI were to blame, there would be problems with insurance and judicial practice.