Autonomous driving technology is not achieved overnight. The development of any technology is gradual, constantly improving and perfecting, becoming more advanced. ADAS is the foundation of autonomous driving technology.
ADAS focuses on environmental perception and assisted driving, while autonomous driving involves a higher level of automation and decision-making capabilities. ADAS functions are the prerequisite for the development of autonomous driving technology. With the advancement of technology, ADAS functions will gradually evolve into more advanced autonomous driving functions.
For the vehicle diagnostic scanner industry, developing diagnostic and calibration functions for advanced driver assistance systems is a necessity to adapt to the development of the times and market demand.
What Is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems(ADAS)?
Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS for short, is an active safety technology that uses a variety of sensors installed on the vehicle to collect environmental data inside and outside the vehicle as soon as possible, and perform technical processing such as identification, detection, and tracking of static and dynamic objects.
The sensors used by ADAS mainly include cameras, radars, lasers and ultrasound, which can detect light, heat, pressure or other variables used to monitor the status of the vehicle. They are usually located in the front and rear bumpers, side mirrors, inside the steering column or on the windshield of the vehicle.
This allows the driver to be aware of possible dangers as quickly as possible, thereby drawing attention and improving safety.

The sensors used by ADAS
What Is an Autonomous Vehicles?
An autonomous vehicle, also known as a driverless vehicle, a computer-driven vehicle, or a wheeled mobile robot, is a smart vehicle that realizes driverless driving through a computer system. They have been around for decades in the 20th century and are becoming more practical in the early 21st century.
Self-driving cars rely on artificial intelligence, visual computing, radar, monitoring devices, and global positioning systems to work together, allowing computers to automatically and safely operate motor vehicles without any human intervention.

Autonomous Vehicle
The Difference Between ADAS And Autonomous Driving
Different levels
According to the grading standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), autonomous driving is divided into six levels from L0 to L5.
At level L0, the vehicle does not have any automated functions and is completely controlled by the driver. Level L1 is driving assistance, and the vehicle can provide assistance in certain specific functions, such as the adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist mentioned above.
Level L2 is partial automation, and the vehicle can control both speed and lane at the same time, but the driver needs to supervise at all times and be ready to take over at any time. Level L3 is conditional automation. Under specific environments and conditions, the vehicle can complete most driving tasks, but when encountering a situation that the system cannot handle, it will prompt the driver to take over.
Level L4 is highly automated. The vehicle can drive completely autonomously in limited scenarios (such as specific areas or road conditions) without the need for driver intervention, but if it goes beyond this limited scenario, the driver needs to take over. Level L5 is fully autonomous driving. The vehicle can drive autonomously like a human driver in any situation, without any driver intervention.
Levels L0-L2 are assisted driving, while levels L3 and above are autonomous driving to varying degrees. Autonomous driving achieves L4-L5 automotive automation.

Six levels of Autonomous driving
Attribution of responsibility
In terms of responsibility attribution, in assisted driving, the responsibility still mainly lies with the driver; in autonomous driving, as the degree of automation increases, the responsibility gradually shifts to vehicle manufacturers, software developers, etc.
Different assistance system solutions
ADAS mainly adopts the camera + radar solution, while autonomous driving increases the number of cameras and millimeter wave/ultrasonic radars, and also adds lidar.
How ADAS Paves the Way for Full Autonomous Vehicles
ADAS, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, is changing the way we drive and gradually paving the way for fully autonomous vehicles. ADAS continues to evolve, initially using only a single sensor or function, such as speed limit system, lane departure warning system, etc.
As technology improves, multiple functions in the ADAS begin to merge, including blind spot monitoring, automatic braking, automatic cruise control and other functions.
With the development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and deep learning, ADAS systems have begun to shift towards fully autonomous driving, further improving their intelligence, including more advanced functions such as unmanned driving, automatic parking, and automatic braking.
Famous Brand of Fully Autonomous Vehicles
- Tesla:
- As a world-renowned electric car manufacturer, Tesla's Autopilot autonomous driving system enjoys a high reputation in the industry.
- Waymo:
- A subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet, Waymo is focused on developing safe and reliable self-driving car technology.
- Mercedes-Benz:
- The German luxury car brand unveiled its Vision EQS concept car in 2019, which features autonomous driving capabilities.
- Audi:
- Audi, also from Germany, has equipped its A8 model with an autonomous driving system called Traffic Jam Pilot.
- Volvo:
- The Swedish automaker's XC90 model already comes with an automatic lane-keeping system called Pilot Assist.
Autel Automotive Diagnostic Scanner for ADAS Expansion
Autel MaxiSys ADAS is a professional device that integrates comprehensive diagnosis and high-precision ADAS calibration. The system is equipped with advanced MaxiSys calibration tools and intelligent software, which can provide accurate and efficient calibration solutions for collision repair, glass replacement and various auto repair shops.

Autel products about ADAS
Which autel diagnostic scanners support ADAS extensions?
- MaxiSys MS906 Series:
- MS906TS, MS906BT, MS906 Pro,MS906 Pro-TS
- MaxiSys MS908 Series:
- MS908, MS908 Pro, MS908S, MS908S Pro, MS908S II,MS908S Pro II
Important Note:
Please do not purchase scanner models that support ADAS online. You also need to purchase ADAS from a local dealer to use it. Please consult your local dealer for details.
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