[Daily Knowledge] The Current State and Future of Autonomous Driving Technology in Hong Kong
Editor's In-Depth Analysis | The Current State and Future of Autonomous Driving Technology in Hong Kong
1. What is autonomous driving?
- Autonomous Driving (Autopilot) technology means that a car uses sensors, radar, AI algorithms, automatic control systems, etc. to complete some or all driving operations independently, reducing human intervention.
- Internationally, it is divided into six levels from L0 to L5 , L0 is completely non-automated, and L5 is fully automatic driving.
2. Current Status of Autonomous Driving Technology in Hong Kong
2.1 Current Market Application Status
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Private car level
- Currently, most new cars (such as Tesla, BMW, Benz, Hyundai, etc.) are equipped with L2-L2+ level driving assistance functions, including automatic following, lane keeping, active emergency braking, automatic parking, etc.
- Level 3-L4 autonomous driving (also known as "conditional autonomous driving") is not fully permitted by Hong Kong law. At this stage, it is only considered "assistive" and the driver must monitor the vehicle at all times.
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Public transportation/dedicated roads
- Starting from 2022, autonomous minibuses/buses will undergo field trials in Science Park, Tseung Kwan O Innovation Park, Kai Tak and other places.
- The Science Park's "AutoSafe" automated minibus is a Level 4 vehicle that can travel automatically on designated closed roads and is equipped with a safety officer.
- Hong Kong International Airport is also conducting autonomous driving tests of driverless buses and luggage carts.
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Logistics/park applications
- Self-driving logistics vehicles and unmanned delivery vehicles are being tested in Science Park, Xintian Science and Technology City and other places.
2.2 Current Policy and Regulatory Situation
- The Hong Kong Transport Department currently only issues "special permits" for individual autonomous driving test projects and has not yet allowed autonomous vehicles to operate freely on public roads.
- The law has not yet been revised , and all autonomous vehicles must have a driver involved at all times.
2.3 Technology and Infrastructure Challenges
- High road complexity : Urban roads are narrow, with many bends, dense pedestrian traffic, and bicycles, buses, and taxis frequently cut across lanes.
- Unpredictable weather : Heavy rain, typhoons, and dense fog pose challenges to sensor/AI judgment.
- Map data is not detailed enough : High-precision maps (HD maps) are expensive to produce and require the use of 5G and big data.
- Unclear legal responsibility : In the event of an accident, how will liability be determined? Driver, car manufacturer, software supplier?
3. Editor’s Observation: Advantages and Difficulties of Autonomous Driving in Hong Kong
3.1 Advantages
- The government prioritizes innovation and technology : it has a "smart mobility" policy, funding for research and development, and dedicated testing zones.
- Land is limited : Promoting autonomous driving can help solve traffic congestion and improve efficiency.
- Science parks, airports, and new development zones : semi-enclosed or dedicated roads suitable for the initial implementation of autonomous driving.
3.2 Challenges
- The traffic environment is complex : local drivers have a unique culture and many emergencies, so AI needs to learn the "Hong Kong style".
- Incomplete legislation : Currently, autonomous driving is not legally available on public roads.
- Citizens lack confidence : Many people have doubts about the safety of autonomous driving and are afraid that "AI will hit people."
- Large infrastructure investment : 5G, roadside sensors, smart traffic lights, and V2X (vehicle-to-everything) are still waiting to be popularized throughout Hong Kong.
IV. International Comparison: Hong Kong and Global Progress
| Region/Country | Regulatory progress | Technology Application | Local comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | L4 pilot projects in some cities | Unmanned taxis, buses, and logistics vehicles | Faster progress, more testing in Hong Kong |
| Singapore | Controlled area L3/L4 | Autonomous buses and unmanned shuttle buses | Singapore's regulations are advanced and its infrastructure is complete |
| USA | L4/L5 in some states | Waymo driverless taxis, Tesla FSD | The United States is highly open, while Hong Kong is still in its infancy. |
| Europe (Germany, etc.) | L3/L4 regulations are clear | Mercedes-Benz, VW, etc. | European regulations are clear, while Hong Kong regulations need to be improved |
V. Future Outlook and Government Planning
5.1 Policy Blueprint
- Smart Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030 : Aims to promote the implementation of autonomous driving technology, open more test roads in phases, and improve legislation.
- Draft Regulations on Autonomous Driving Vehicles 2023 : Under consultation, special license plates for autonomous driving will be established in the future and responsibilities will be clarified.
- New development areas such as the Science Park, Airport, San Tin Science City, and Kai Tak will become priority pilot areas for autonomous driving.
5.2 Technical Route
- It will be implemented first in closed areas and dedicated lanes , and then gradually expanded to open roads.
- Combine 5G, V2X, and AI to learn local traffic patterns and improve the adaptability of autonomous driving.
- Keep pace with the international/mainland markets and introduce foreign mature technologies for localization.
5.3 Industry Prospects
- Technological innovation companies, the automotive industry, and the logistics industry will benefit, leading to the emergence of new jobs (programmers, maintenance technicians, roadside sensor maintenance, etc.).
- Self-driving taxis/buses/delivery vehicles will gradually become popular in the future, especially in new towns and science and technology innovation zones.
6. Editor’s Tip: What should citizens/car owners know?
- Currently, self-driving private cars are still not legal. All new "self-driving" cars (such as Tesla Autopilot/FSD) can only be used for auxiliary purposes, and drivers must monitor at all times!
- In the next two to three years, there is little chance that autonomous driving will be popularized in urban areas, but there will be more experiments in new areas and closed roads.
- If you want to experience autonomous driving, it is recommended to participate in open days or test rides in science parks, airports, etc.
- Functions such as automatic parking, automatic following, and active braking are now very practical, and are particularly beneficial to novice drivers and long-distance drivers.
- Pay attention to government announcements, as public consultation and the official implementation of autonomous driving regulations are expected in the future.
7. Editor’s Honest Comment: The Reality and Dream of Autonomous Driving in Hong Kong
- Reality : Autonomous driving in Hong Kong is still in the "experimentation → demonstration → specifications → regulations" stage and has not yet been implemented on a large scale, but the basic technical conditions are in place.
- Dream : In the future, there will be more "driverless taxis," "automatic delivery vehicles," and "smart buses" shuttling between new towns, airports, and science and technology parks, allowing citizens to be picked up and dropped off at work by "driverless vehicles."
- Challenge : Only when regulations, social confidence, and infrastructure are advanced simultaneously can we truly enjoy the convenience of smart travel.
- The editor encourages you to learn more about new knowledge on autonomous driving and pay attention to policy trends. In the next 5-10 years, Hong Kong will definitely experience a "mobility revolution"!
Editor's summary
While Hong Kong's autonomous driving development has had a slow start, recent policy initiatives and technological trials have seen increasing momentum. Hong Kong undoubtedly has the potential to become a model city for smart mobility in Asia. Citizens, car owners, and innovators alike can actively participate and embrace the new era of driverless technology!
If you want to know more about autonomous driving technology, vehicle selection, policies and regulations, please leave a message and the editor will help you answer!
