How are autonomous vehicles defined in the context of AI?

Autonomous vehicles are defined as those that utilize artificial intelligence to navigate and make driving decisions independently, without the need for human intervention. This means these vehicles are capable of processing real-time data from their surroundings, interpreting environmental cues, and making decisions based on programmed algorithms and machine learning models. The essence of autonomy lies in the fact that these vehicles can perform all necessary driving functions on their own, utilizing sensors, cameras, and advanced AI technologies.

In contrast, vehicles that are equipped with human-driven navigation systems, require constant human oversight, or operate only under direct human control do not embody the concept of autonomy. Such vehicles still depend heavily on human input and intervention, which is fundamentally different from the self-sufficiency that defines autonomous vehicles.