Analyze the Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Sensors for Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

To realize the autonomous operation of vehicles in an unpredictable urban environment, multiple real-time systems must be interoperable, including environmental perception, positioning, planning and control[1]. Sensors have played an indispensable role in providing correct judgments and making correct actions for autonomous driving technology. The sensor acquires external information through different means and transmits it to other components. At present, the sensors of mainstream autonomous vehicles on the market are mainly divided into four categories： 1. Cameras for Autonomous Vehicles 2. Ultrasonic Sensors 3. Laser Scanner 4. Radars[2]. The purpose of this article is to find out how to choose the sensor of the autonomous driving car. This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of these four different sensors. In this paper, by looking for the effects of some special circumstances that may exist on the sensor and the sensors that have been widely used in the market, to find out their possible impact and why they are widely used. Automakers like Tesla are chosen to use only the camera for Autonomous Vehicles. In the case of foggy weather or poor visibility, the camera is difficult to function well. After analyzing several types of sensors, the author found that each type of sensor has significant defects. Only when two or more types of sensors appear in a car can the vehicles fully perceive the surrounding environment.