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Every single major auto manufacturer is pushing for some level of vehicular autonomy.
You already know that ADAS is everywhere, but do you understand the different SAE levels of vehicle autonomy and what they mean for your shop? Understanding these autonomy classifications is essential for proper repair planning, compliance, liability protection, and faster cycle times as these systems become more and more common.
This guide will walk you through everything that you need to know about industry classifications, calibration needs, and everything else you need to run a successful collision shop equipped to handle autonomous vehicles.
The SAE levels of autonomy explained for collision repair
SAE International, an organization that develops technical standards in the overarching mobility industries, has defined six levels of autonomy. This definition, known as SAE J3016, is widely accepted for its clear explanation and terminology surrounding the classification of autonomous vehicles.
This classification has revolutionized the way that the industry discusses autonomous vehicles. Without doubt, this discussion is not black and white, there is a vast range of vehicle capability from Level 0 (driver conducts all driving tasks) to Level 5 (fully self-driving) with a plethora of cars falling between these two extremes.
Each distinct level carries a different level of ADAS feature integration and therefore requires a different approach from your technicians. Knowing the classification of the car currently in your bay is a great way to reduce wasted time on research and preparation. In short, a different SAE level means different ADAS features, thus different sensors and different needs.
Level 0: No driving automation, but plenty of calibrations
SAE Level 0 are vehicles classified by no driving automation, meaning the driver performs all of the Dynamic Driving Tasks (DDTs). While it may sound like your shop is off the hook for calibration here, this is not the case. In fact, over 90% of vehicles on the road today fall under this category, including some ADAS-equipped vehicles.
SAE tends to think about automation on two plains — forward and lateral. This means that automation does not begin until a vehicle is able to control one of these factors such as acceleration and braking, or steering. With this definition in mind, many traditional ADAS features still fall under Level 0 automation, including:
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and more
With vehicles of this level of automation, your shop should still be expected to stay on its “A-game”. Even “non-automated” vehicles will still have cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors which will require calibration. While they may not contribute to autonomous driving systems, don’t underestimate these systems as they are still vital to driver safety.
Level 1: The first wave of vehicle autonomy
Vehicles that fall under Level 1 autonomy are those that can take control of either the longitudinal (forward and backward) or the lateral (side to side) motion of the vehicle in specified conditions. It’s important to note that this classification only encompasses the function of one or the other of these DDTs, such as a vehicle that is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) but NOT Lane Keep Assist (LKA), or vice versa.
Other features that potentially warrant a Level 1 definition can include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Park Assist. AEB and ACC can take control of longitudinal motion whereas LKA and Park Assist take control of steering.
These types of ADAS features rely heavily on collaboration between forward-facing cameras and radars, which means more multi-sensor calibration jobs for your shop. Because of the need for precise readings to measure longitudinal distances, the smallest vehicle tweak or repair may require the calibration of numerous sensors.
Missing these calibrations can prove disastrous for your customers and for your shop as the customer expects these systems to work as designed without much second thought. More sensor collaboration means bigger projects for your techs, but also more revenue from calibration work.
Level 2: Partial automation and increasingly complex calibrations
Vehicles that control both longitudinal and lateral motion in specified conditions are considered Level 2 by SAE. The caveat here is that while the vehicle is able to control acceleration, braking, and steering, the driver is still charged with overseeing the correct function of these systems as if they were driving normally. This is due to the fact that not all systems are perfect, and therefore require a driver’s hands and eyes to still be in proper position, typically monitored by sensors in the steering wheel and rear-view mirror.
ADAS features that indicated Level 2 automation include packages that bend Lane Centering and ACC, Hands-free highway modes, Lane Change Assist that’s paired with ACC, and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA). These are all systems that require a high level of sensor fusion, meaning the small misread of one sensor can have a domino effect on the entirety of the system.
These systems are characterized by more strict OEM requirements, frequent steering angle sensor resets, ride height checks, and precise radar aiming angles. Your shop must be prepared for any chain-reaction requirements — those where one feature needing service sets off multiple recalibrations.
Level 3: Conditional Automation, where liability becomes a large concern
Level 3 is where the term “self-driving” begins to accurately describe a vehicle. Under this SAE classification, under the correct circumstances (e.g. the driver activates the system) the vehicle is able to control all driving functions (called DDTs). While the driver doesn't need to maintain their hands on the wheel, they must still be prepared to intervene if necessary
These types of vehicles are equipped with hands-free or eyes-free systems, but only in defined conditions. Traffic Jam Pilot systems and high-definition mapping fused with numerous sensors are also examples of systems that can fall under Level 3.
When a vehicle requires the correct function of its sensors to fully take control of driving in defined scenarios, both manufacturer and your liability skyrocket. What this looks like are very precise and non-negotiable OEM calibration requirements. This also means that your documentation becomes your best friend of insurance payouts, OEM networks and legal protection. The right documentation can show you followed the correct procedure and truly serve as a bullet-proof vest. Crafting the correct documentation strategy is easy, and in this case is especially important.
Level 4–5: What’s coming, and why you should prepare now
SAE Levels 4 and 5 are distinct autonomy levels but paired because they require a similar approach by your shop. Level 4 is full automation without need for intervention by the driver, but it is still conditional meaning it can only function in predetermined scenarios. Level 5 is also a fully-autonomous vehicle not needing intervention, but this classification of autonomous vehicles is also unconditional, meaning it is autonomous from ignition to parking in any scenario.
Level 4 examples include robotaxis such as Waymo that are geofenced, which can only function inside a specified area. There are very limited private vehicles with this level of automation right now, but that is expected to rise in the near future. Level 5 vehicles are not yet available to the public, but are already shaping OEM design today.
More sensors per vehicle means more work for your shop. Level 4 and up vehicles include high sensor fusion between cameras, radar, LiDAR sensors, ultrasonics, and thermal imaging to function as intended. This complex sensor fusion will multiply the need for calibration as well as precise digital documentation.
There are large questions of liability when allowing aftermarket calibrations for these types of vehicles, as some believe the manufacturer should be wholly responsible for service on these autonomous systems. This is an opportunity for your shop to become a leader in the aftermarket collision repair industry as not many shops offer this level of service.
Mapping ADAS features to autonomy levels
Here’s a quick and easy chart that summarizes the types of ADAS features and their likely SAE Level:
ADAS Feature
Typical SAE Level
Potential Sensors
Calibration Notes
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
0-1
Camera
Correct angles
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Centering, Lane Change Assist (LCA)
1-2
Camera, Radar, LiDAR
Correct angles, ride height, and Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)
Adaptive Cruise Control
1-2
Radar, Camera
Correct angles, ride height
Hands-Free Systems
2-3
Cameras, Radars, 360-view
Full range of sensors and needs, strict documentation
While this chart is not exhaustive, it highlights some of the basic needs of systems that fall under specific categories. Most calibrations require the correct ride height and vehicle geometry, therefore any work that affects these will require some level of ADAS calibration.
Why understanding autonomy levels improves repair planning
Planning your repairs goes a long way in saving time and therefore, money. If your techs understand SAE autonomy levels to a high degree then this planning process will improve workflows and increase revenue. These levels help to clarify which jobs will require simple and quick calibrations and those that are complex full-suite jobs.
This knowledge will also help to avoid supplements or missed estimation marks because you will know your calibration needs up front. This also helps to reduce cycle times as your workflows will improve, your more precise documentation will lead to fewer insurance denials, and you will not have to redo any missed calibrations.
Knowing and understanding SAE autonomy levels ensures your shop stays insurer-complaint and legally protected, as well as increases your revenue as your techs will identify previously missed calibration opportunities.
How Revv streamlines ADAS calibration for your shop
Revv can instantly identify the systems that enable these autonomy levels as well as any required calibrations just by inputting a vehicle’s VIN. This saves your shop time, money, stress, and puts you ahead of the competition.
Revv is designed to evolve with ADAS systems of all SAE Levels. As new ADAS systems enter the design ecosystem, Revv’s database will be updated to always have accurate calibration info on them.
Autonomy is on the rise, and your bay must rise with it. Understanding autonomy levels is critical to your operation. Shops that prepare now will be able to adjust to new changes on the horizon with a higher level of ease and confidence. This is a trait that is necessary in an auto industry that is constantly changing.
Set up a call with one of our experts to schedule a demo and learn how Revv is future-proofing shop workflows for the rise of vehicle autonomy.