Artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving: Automotive development is more exciting than ever. Federico Magno, Managing Director of the management and IT consultancy MHP, CEO of MHP since July, and Dirk Lappe, Managing Director of Porsche Engineering, discuss the major future trends and the role of courage in development in an expert interview. At the time of the interview, Federico Magno was still Managing Director at Porsche Consulting.
In your opinion, how far will AI development go and what role will it play in our society? Are there specific limits to AI development?
Dirk Lappe: Artificial intelligence has made impressive progress, but there are limits compared to human inventiveness. AI is strong in pattern recognition, data analysis and the execution of specific, learned tasks. But creativity and innovation, as shown by humans, are difficult for AI. AI can process data based on previous information, but it cannot create completely new ideas or concepts like humans can. The human ability to learn from experience, use intuition and emotional intelligence remains unique. The intelligence of conscious perception, i.e. awareness of one’s own existence and the ability to process experiences subjectively, is a major challenge in relation to AI. Current AI systems can process data and even make decisions based on algorithms and machine learning. But they do not have consciousness in the human sense.
Federico Magno: Our consciousness also includes emotions, and as an Italian I am an expert in these, so to speak. Emotions include things like self-awareness, subjective experiences and understanding oneself in the context of the world. These aspects are deeply rooted in human psychology and anchored in our brains. AI systems have no personal experiences, they do not know what they are doing – or rather: have done. Their actions are emotionless. This so-called self-referential intelligence of humans is another fascinating characteristic. It relates to how people think about themselves, develop self-awareness and understand and reflect on their own mental processes.
What is so special about it?
Magno: They say that self-knowledge is the first step towards improvement. And if you take that literally, it actually describes quite nicely what distinguishes us from artificial intelligence, at least for now: Because we recognize ourselves, we can learn from mistakes. This type of intelligence is uniquely complex because it includes not only cognitive abilities, but also emotional and social aspects. Machines can hardly imitate this type of intelligence. AI systems can be programmed to analyze their performance and adapt to certain tasks. But this is cold self-optimization, almost bloodless, without emotions. They simply have no awareness of themselves in the human sense.
And what does that mean for the vehicles of the future?
Lappe: In terms of future developments, such as the vehicle of the future, one could speculate that AI could achieve or even surpass human-like abilities in certain areas. Nevertheless, aspects such as creative thinking, empathy and general problem-solving ability are likely to represent limits that are difficult for AI to overcome. The future of automated driving nevertheless looks promising. In addition to AI, there is strong development in sensor technology. These advances could lead to safer and more efficient road traffic. Automated vehicles could also improve mobility for people who cannot or do not want to drive themselves. However, in addition to the technical complexity, there are also challenges, such as legal issues, data protection and social acceptance.
What role does the self-referential intelligence that Mr Magno just described play in this?
Lappe: Self-referential intelligence, as it occurs in humans, is not essential for autonomous driving. Autonomous vehicles are based on AI systems that process and react to environmental information, but they do not need self-awareness or an understanding of their own existence. Other aspects of AI are more important for autonomous driving, such as the ability to accurately perceive the environment, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signs and road conditions. The ability to make safe and efficient decisions based on sensory data and programmed algorithms is also important. And finally, the ability to adapt to different traffic conditions and unpredictable events.
These capabilities enable autonomous vehicles to navigate and operate safely without the need for self-referential intelligence. When not all data is available for perception in autonomous driving, there are several challenges and solutions. Autonomous vehicles are often equipped with redundant systems, such as multiple sensors and cameras. If one sensor fails, others can compensate for the missing data. When data is insufficient, autonomous systems tend to drive more cautiously, for example by driving slower or stopping until more information is available. Vehicles can learn from past experiences to better deal with incomplete data. Networking with other vehicles or traffic infrastructure can provide additional information. Safety is always the top priority.
And what about fully driverless mobility?
Lappe: We should briefly classify this: As we know, there are five levels of automated driving. Each level brings more automation and less need for human intervention. Level 1 – Assisted: Here there are systems such as cruise control or lane departure warning, but the driver must constantly intervene and maintain control. Level 2 – Partially automated: The vehicle can take over certain tasks such as steering, accelerating and braking, but the driver must still monitor the environment and be ready to take over. Level 3 – Conditionally automated: The car can drive itself under certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to take control if necessary. Level 4 – Highly automated: The vehicle can drive itself in most situations without the driver having to intervene. However, there may still be an option for manual driving.
Magno: And then we finally come to the “premier class”. Level 5, fully automated driving: Here the vehicle takes over all driving tasks under all conditions. There is basically no need for a driver or a steering wheel. And that is exactly what will prove to be very difficult in the next few years due to the amount of data and computing power required, as well as the very expensive sensors required. Autonomous vehicles are heavily dependent on the amount of data available and learned, and its timeliness. A large part of the data must be constantly recorded by the vehicle itself. But to analyze this amount of data, an autonomous vehicle virtually covers millions of kilometers in simulations and learns to make the right decisions in the process.
What exactly distinguishes the system from humans?
Magno: In principle, not that much: humans also use their senses to perceive the environment, traffic, road conditions, signs and the dimensions of their vehicle. There is relatively little existing data, such as knowing where a street is or where to turn. And it is easy to expand, for example with an old-fashioned city map. But a person does not have to drive several million kilometers to get their driver’s license. The requirements for a driver’s license usually include a certain number of driving lessons and theoretical instruction, followed by a practical and a theoretical test. People can make up for the rest with their self-referential intelligence. They do not have to have experienced every situation once to know how to act. It does not matter whether a red or a green ball rolls onto the road: a person stops because they are expecting a child to run after them. An autonomous vehicle must first learn both situations. And that is a simple example. From today’s perspective, it is not certain whether fully autonomous vehicles will ever be able to find all the necessary answers in simulations and tests for Level 5.
Mr. Lappe, how does Porsche Engineering want to influence progress in mobility in the future?
Lappe: With courage! As in recent years, we will continue to show courage in development and keep breaking new ground – because that is the constant fuel for innovation, progress and positive change. Every development, be it in technological, scientific or social areas, often requires the use of courage. Courage in development is more than just a personal trait. For example, courage is the engine of innovation. It motivates developers to explore new ideas and create innovative solutions that exceed the existing boundaries of the known. Without courage, many groundbreaking discoveries and inventions would never become reality.
Mr. Magno, how do you view the future of mobility?
Magno: The development of mobility has always been characterized by many uncertainties and risks that should not be underestimated. But the risk of failure is now a financial one and fortunately no longer a life-threatening one, as it was in the early years of air travel, for example. This is also ensured by AI, which helps us in simulations to better find rare errors that might have ended catastrophically in the past. Courageous entrepreneurs do not see such mistakes as insurmountable obstacles or as signs of failure. Instead, they see mistakes as valuable opportunities to learn from them and improve. And then to develop a product for everyone from them.
It sounds as if courage is the key enabler for new developments and innovations for both of you, including in mobility…
Lappe: Right. Development can encounter numerous obstacles and challenges. Courage enables developers to overcome these obstacles, find creative solutions and face the greatest difficulties. In a constantly changing world, it is necessary to adapt to new technologies, trends and customer needs. Courageous developers are open to change and ready to rethink existing concepts and business models.
Magno: And it goes even further: Courageous developers and entrepreneurs have the power to inspire others. They show that it is possible to take risks and put visionary ideas into practice. Their actions encourage others to be brave too and to take innovative paths. Bold development can bring about far-reaching societal change by providing solutions to pressing social problems. Examples range from medical breakthroughs to sustainable environmental initiatives.
Lappe: Last but not least, courage is a key to fostering personal and professional growth. And at the same time, it drives progress in development and societal progress as a whole.
Magno: In an increasingly globalized world, such competitive advantages are crucial. Bold entrepreneurs are often able to differentiate themselves from the competition, enter new markets and offer innovative products or services. Their courage fosters a positive work environment in which people are willing to share creative ideas and pursue innovative projects.
Lappe: In summary, courage in development is a driving factor for change and progress in future mobility. It encourages us to overcome challenges and shape the world through innovative ideas and solutions. Courageous development is a driver for positive change and should therefore be encouraged and valued at every stage of development work. It is the key to a better future.
And what about the future of AI?
Lappe: The future of AI in automotive development is promising and diverse, not only for autonomous driving. AI has the potential to help improve safety systems in vehicles by detecting hazards more quickly and initiating preventive measures. Vehicles could be customized based on needs, leading to a new driving experience. In development and manufacturing, AI systems can optimize processes, save resources and increase product quality. AI is able to predict maintenance needs, which leads to reduced downtime and extended service life of vehicle components. In addition, we will see more advanced networking features in the car, including big data connectivity and IoT applications. Using AI, we are able to make vehicles more environmentally friendly by optimizing fuel consumption and supporting the development of electric vehicles. Overall, AI will revolutionize automotive development by making vehicles safer, more efficient and more user-friendly.
Magno: In the long term, further major innovations are in sight. Neuromorphic systems that mimic the structures and functions of the human brain could play a key role in the further development of AI technologies in the future. Such chips could be more efficient and faster than conventional processors, especially when processing sensory data. They could enable real-time decision-making – and thus come close to humans in their ability to make decisions. These systems are designed to better process complex, unstructured data, as they occur in the real world. This will shape the future of mobility. Not only in the form of fully autonomous vehicles with Level 5. But also in the way mobility is organized and which new business models emerge. We know: AI has the power to revolutionize business processes. At least if it is used correctly. And that also requires a certain amount of courage.
Lappe: Physical computational models that mimic natural processes can also help develop more efficient and robust AI systems. Such models could be able to better deal with uncertainties and incomplete information, which is crucial for autonomous driving. These technologies are promising, but are still in their early stages of development. They could lead to significant breakthroughs in AI, especially in terms of flexibility, learning ability and adaptability.
Magno: The development of an AI with conscious perception or even self-referential intelligence would be an enormous leap. But of course it also raises many legal, ethical, philosophical and technical questions that we must address.
Lappe: We will see great progress in autonomous vehicles up to level 4 and realize high-quality and safe products. However, due to the lack of completeness of the data, we will see relatively few level 5 vehicles on the roads for many decades to come. Most vehicles will continue to have a steering wheel in the future, with which intelligent humans can override artificial intelligence and safely take control of the vehicle if necessary.
Text first appeared in Porsche Engineering Magazine, Issue 1/2024 and in the current issue of eMove360° Magazine in german language. Order the print version in the shop or download the PDF for free.