HERE’s Remco Timmer: Human and Machine Driving Must Form a Continuum

As automated driving technology evolves, the line between human and machine control is becoming increasingly blurred. Remco Timmer of HERE Technologies highlights how mapping, sensors and computing power are shaping the path from assisted driving to full autonomy.

Here Technologies’ Remco Timmer says drivers are using automation from basic cruise control to lane-keeping and hands-free highway driving (Level 2+) – and predicts these features will become common as costs fall. Currently only BMW and Mercedes vehicles offer Level 3 automation using high-definition maps . He emphasizes that the map must work in unison with a vehicle’s sensors and computing, not in isolation. Timmer suggests carmakers can gradually roll out higher-level features via software updates on existing hardware platforms, rather than waiting for new models.


Timmer: “It cannot be that the human is basing its decision on a different understanding of the environment than the machine”

Crucially, Timmer argues that “human driving and machine driving needs to be a continuum,” using a single consistent map so drivers and autonomous systems share the same view of the road . Timmer also notes that cheap, plentiful sensors and powerful onboard computing are making systems much more resilient . Looking ahead to 2035, he foresees fleets of Level 4/5 autonomous vehicles operating efficiently with high occupancy and low cost per kilometre.

For the full article, visit ITS International.