global autonomous vehicles report - ansys · when asked to select from a list of concerns for...

Global Autonomous Vehicles Report ←Back to Table of Contents 1

Global Autonomous Vehicles Report

Analyzing Public Perceptions of Future Unmanned Transportation

October 2019

Global Autonomous Vehicles Report 2

Automotive ResultsComfort Levels ...................................................... 4

Comparing Driving Abilities .................................. 8

Safety Concerns .................................................. 10

Trust in Autonomous Car Manufacturers ............... 11

Free Time with Autonomous Travel ...................... 13

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ 3

Conclusions ............................................................................................................................................ 25

Aircraft ResultsComfort Levels ...................................................14

Safety Concerns .................................................17

Trust in Autonomous Aircraft Providers ...............19

Autonomy in Today’s Commercial Flights ............20

Forming New Perceptions ...................................23

Table of Contents


As the global leader in engineering simulation software, ANSYS works with automotive and aircraft manufacturers to bring safe and reliable AVs to market. Through the survey, ANSYS examined public opinion to measure consumers’ comfort levels and concerns with AVs, focusing on automobiles and aircraft.

The survey uncovered consumers’ desire to take advantage of autonomous travel, some of which are ready and willing to ride in autonomous planes and cars today.

Executive Summary

Yet with autonomous cars still being a novelty on the road and the lack of awareness of current levels of autonomy in airplanes, most respondents would prefer to participate in autonomous travel later in their lifetime.

The results in this report provide a detailed breakdown of consumer perception of AVs and show how they differ between age groups and by market.

ANSYS commissioned Atomik Research to measure global perceptions of autonomous vehicles (AVs). More than 22,000 people from Benelux, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and United States were surveyed.


Automotive Results

77% of respondents feel comfortable riding in autonomous cars during their lifetime. 50% said they would be ready to ride within the next five years, while 14% are ready to ride today.

COMFORT LEVELS

RIGHT NOW - 14%

WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR - 13%

WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS - 23%

WITHIN THE NEXT TEN YEARS - 15%

IN MORE THAN TEN YEARS’ TIME - 12%

I WOULD NEVER BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS - 23%

Comfort levels with autonomous cars across all ages and markets.

When do you anticipate that you’d feel ready and comfortable to ride in an autonomous car?


Automotive Results

Across all countries polled, Indian respondents were most open to riding in an autonomous vehicle today at 33%. 94% of Indian respondents said they would be comfortable at some point during their lifetime. In the United Kingdom, just 8% felt comfortable with autonomous cars today, while 57% would be comfortable riding in their lifetime.

COMFORT LEVELS

RIGHT NOW

WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

I WOULD NEVER BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS

8%

16%

43%

11%

24%

26%

14%

19%

31%

14%

23%

28%

7%

25%

20%

8%

36%

3%

33%

23%

6%

Select markets show varying comfort levels with autonomous cars.


US UK Germany France Japan China India

COUNTRY


Automotive Results

Younger respondents were more interested in autonomous cars than older generations. 87% of 18-to 24-year-olds and 88% of 25-to 34-year-olds said they were ready to ride in autonomous cars in their lifetime. 43% of those over the age of 65 said they would never ride in an autonomous car.

COMFORT LEVELS

Millennials are more comfortable with autonomous cars.


RIGHT NOW

WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

I WOULD NEVER BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS

19%

26%

13%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 AND ABOVE

15%

26%

17%

18%

26%

12%

10%

22%

27%

9%

18%

38%

6%

17%

43%

AGE GROUP


Autonomous cars were the second most popular choice for which type of AV respondents would be most comfortable in, with 37% selecting this option. Only autonomous trains were a more popular selection at 51%. 9% preferred autonomous planes and 3% selected autonomous boats.

Automotive ResultsCOMFORT LEVELS

Which of the following are you most comfortable with?

51% AUTONOMOUS

TRAIN

37% AUTONOMOUS

CAR

9%AUTONOMOUS

AIRPLANE

3%AUTONOMOUS

BOAT


Automotive Results

When asked if they believed they were better drivers than autonomous cars, most respondents thought autonomous technology would improve, with autonomous cars surpassing human driving capabilities within 10 years. 13% believed autonomous cars are already better drivers than humans.

COMPARING DRIVING ABILITIES

YES, HUMANS ARE BETTER DRIVERS

YES, BUT THE TECHNOLOGY WILL IMPROVE AND THE AUTONOMOUS CAR WILL SURPASS HUMANS WITHIN 10 YEARS

NO, I THINK AUTONOMOUS CARS ARE BETTER DRIVERS

NO, BUT I’D PREFER TO BE DRIVING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Consumers compare driving abilities to AI.

Do you believe you’re a better driver than an autonomous car?

- 29%

- 38%

- 13%

- 20%


Automotive Results

Of all countries surveyed, Japanese respondents showed the most trust in autonomous cars, with 20% saying autonomous cars are already better drivers than humans and an additional 45% believing autonomous cars will surpass humans within 10 years.

COMPARING DRIVING ABILITIES

Do you believe you’re a better driver than an autonomous car?

YES, HUMANS ARE BETTER DRIVERS

YES, BUT THE TECHNOLOGY WILL IMPROVE AND THE AUTONOMOUS CAR WILL SURPASS HUMANS WITHIN 10 YEARS

NO, I THINK AUTONOMOUS CARS ARE BETTER DRIVERS

NO, BUT I’D PREFER TO BE DRIVING IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Japanese respondents vs. the global average.

29%

38%

13%

20%

17%

45%

20%

18%

Japan

AVERAGE ACROSS MARKETS


Automotive Results

When asked to select from a list of concerns for riding in an autonomous car, 59% of participants chose technology failure leading to a car crash as their top apprehension. Third parties hacking into autonomous cars proved to be respondents’ second biggest concern at 42%. The third primary concern shared by 35% of respondents was the possibility of other drivers on the road crashing into an autonomous car.

SAFETY CONCERNS

What are your greatest concerns about riding in an autonomous car?

Greatest concerns about riding in an autonomous car.

THEY CAN BE HACKED AND CONTROLLED BY A THIRD PARTY - 42%

I DON’T TRUST OTHER DRIVERS NOT TO CRASH INTO THE CAR I’M IN - 35%

IF THE TECHNOLOGY FAILS, THE CAR COULD CRASH - 59%

I DON’T TRUST THE TECHNOLOGY TO HANDLE CONDITIONS BETTER THAN A HUMAN - 30%

I ENJOY DRIVING AND WOULD MISS THAT IN AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE - 25%

I WON’T BUY ONE, BUT I’D RIDE IN ONE AS A PASSENGER - 8%

NONE OF THE ABOVE - 7%


Automotive Results

24% of respondents believed high-end, luxury car companies would deliver the safest and most reliable autonomous cars, followed by technology companies that might one day offer an autonomous car at 20%.

TRUST IN AUTONOMOUS CAR MANUFACTURERS

Which of the following types of companies/car manufacturers would you be most comfortable riding in an autonomous car with?

LUXURY (MERCEDES, AUDI, BMW, PORSCHE)

NON-LUXURY (VOLKSWAGEN, TOYOTA, FORD)

TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES WHO MIGHT ONE DAY OFFER AUTONOMOUS CARS (TESLA, GOOGLE, UBER, DYSON)

ALL OF THE ABOVE – I’D FEEL EQUALLY HAPPY IN ANY OF THESE

NONE – I WOULDN’T RIDE IN AN AUTONOMOUS CAR

Brands matter when it comes to comfortability with autonomous cars.

- 24%

- 16%

- 20%

- 17%

- 23%


Automotive Results

When considering car manufacturers, branding was a stronger factor for younger consumers. 32% of 18-to 24-year-olds and 31% of 25- to 34-year-olds felt most comfortable with an autonomous car made by a luxury company, yet only 13% of those 65 and above said they preferred a luxury company.

TRUST IN AUTONOMOUS CAR MANUFACTURERS

Which of the following types of companies/car manufacturers would you be most comfortable riding in an autonomous car with?

32% 31% 26% 17%21% 13%

17% 18% 19% 11%15% 12%

24% 23% 22% 12%

18%

18%

18%

11%

16% 16% 16% 16%

12% 12% 17% 41%27% 48%

18-24 25-34 35-44 55-6445-54 65 AND ABOVE

LUXURY (MERCEDES, AUDI, BMW, PORSCHE)

NON-LUXURY (VOLKSWAGEN, TOYOTA, FORD)

TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES WHO MIGHT ONE DAY OFFER AUTONOMOUS CARS (TESLA, GOOGLE, UBER, DYSON)

ALL OF THE ABOVE – I’D FEEL EQUALLY HAPPY IN ANY OF THESE

NONE – I WOULDN’T RIDE IN AN AUTONOMOUS CAR

Older demographics are less concerned about brands.


Automotive Results

With an autonomous car in control, consumers will be able to choose how they want to spend their time during travel, instead of operating the car. 32% of respondents said they would be most likely to spend their time reading a book, followed by 30% who would be watching films or listening to music. Smoking/vaping and self-care were the least popular options, with just 13% and 5% saying they would be most likely to spend time on these activities, respectively.

FREE TIME WITH AUTONOMOUS TRAVEL

Most popular activities to pursue with time saved in an autonomous car.

32%READ A BOOK

13%SMOKING / VAPING

30%WATCH FILM /

LISTEN TO MUSIC

19%WORK / EMAIL

5%SELF-CARE

15%EAT & DRINK

Global Autonomous Vehicles Report 14←Back to Table of Contents

Aircraft Results

70% of consumers said they would fly in a fully autonomous plane during their lifetime. 21% of respondents would feel comfortable flying in a fully autonomous aircraft right now or within one year, and another 21% would board an autonomous plane within just five years.

COMFORT LEVELS

RIGHT NOW - 10%

WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR - 11%

WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS - 21%

WITHIN THE NEXT TEN YEARS - 16%

IN MORE THAN TEN YEARS’ TIME - 12%

I WOULD NEVER BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS - 30%

Comfort levels with autonomous planes across all ages and markets.

When do you anticipate that you’d feel ready and comfortable to fly in an autonomous plane?


Aircraft Results

Examining perceptions around the globe, 97% of those surveyed in China said they would feel comfortable flying in autonomous aircraft in their lifetime, compared to 46% in the United Kingdom.

COMFORT LEVELS

COMFORTABLE WITHIN MY LIFETIME 61% 67%46% 61% 75% 97% 90%

Select markets show varying comfort levels with autonomous planes.

When do you anticipate that you’d feel ready and comfortable to fly in an autonomous plane?

US UK Germany France Japan China India

COUNTRY


Aircraft Results

Younger respondents were more comfortable with autonomous aircraft than older generations. 83% of both 18- to 24-year-olds and 25- to 34-year-olds are willing to ride in an autonomous aircraft in their lifetime. For those between the ages of 55 and 64, 50% would be comfortable riding in an autonomous plane in their lifetime. That number dropped to 45% for those 65 and older.

COMFORT LEVELS

Level of comfort with autonomous planes varies by age group.

When do you anticipate that you’d feel ready and comfortable to ride in an autonomous plane?

COMFORTABLE WITHIN MY LIFETIME 83%

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 AND ABOVE

78%83% 64% 50% 45%

AGE GROUP


Aircraft Results

In-flight technology failure surfaced as the greatest concern among respondents, with 65% selecting this option. 57% of respondents were concerned about not having a pilot to react to in-air issues, such as turbulence or bad weather. Safe take-off and safe landing were lesser concerns for most respondents.

SAFETY CONCERNS

What are your greatest concerns about flying in an autonomous plane?

Greatest concerns with autonomous planes.

SAFE TAKE-OFF

IN-AIR ISSUES – A PILOT NOT BEING AVAILABLE TO RESPOND TO EXTERNAL CONDITIONS (SUCH AS TURBULENCE OR BAD WEATHER)

TECHNOLOGY FAILURE – SOMETHING GOING WRONG WITH THE TECHNOLOGY FLYING THE PLANE AND THERE BEING NO PILOT TO HELP

SAFE AND COMFORTABLE LANDINGS

NONE OF THE ABOVE

- 29%

- 57%

- 65%

- 24%

- 8%


Aircraft Results

39% of respondents believe autonomous aircraft are the hardest electronics technology to hack, beating smartphones, computers, bank accounts and autonomous cars.

SAFETY CONCERNS

Which of the following do you trust to be the hardest to hack?

Hardest technologies to hack according to consumers.

17%SMARTPHONE

14%COMPUTER

27%BANK ACCOUNT

39%AUTONOMOUS

AIRPLANE

12%SELF-DRIVING

CAR


Aircraft Results

Over one-third (34%) of global respondents selected a standard carrier to deliver the most comfortable, fully autonomous flight experience. Respondents appeared much less likely to fly in autonomous planes offered by budget carriers (11%) or technology companies who might one day offer flights (15%).

TRUST IN AUTONOMOUS AIRCRAFT PROVIDERS

Which of the following types of companies/airlines would you be most comfortable flying in an autonomous plane with?

Consumer preference of carriers.

STANDARD CARRIER (EXAMPLE: BRITISH AIRWAYS, KLM, EMIRATES, VIRGIN ATLANTIC)

BUDGET CARRIER (EXAMPLE: RYANAIR, EASYJET, AIRASIA, INDIGO)

TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES WHO MIGHT ONE DAY OFFER FLIGHTS (EXAMPLE: GOOGLE, UBER, TESLA)

ALL OF THE ABOVE – I’D FEEL EQUALLY HAPPY IN EITHER A STANDARD OR BUDGET CARRIER

NONE – I WOULDN’T FLY IN AN AUTONOMOUS PLANE

- 34%

- 11%

- 15%

- 12%

- 27%


Aircraft Results

Consumers were asked to share what percentage of their last flight was automated. The results were divided: 30% of respondents believed 26% to 50% of their flight was automated while 28% believed 51% to 75% of their flight was. Consumers were least likely to believe 76% to 100% of their last flight was automated, with just 7% of respondents selecting this option.

AUTONOMY IN TODAY’S COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS

What percentage of your last flight do you believe was automated (i.e. run wholly by computers)?

Consumer perception of current level of autonomy in commercial planes.

ZERO – 25%

26 – 50%

51 – 75%

76 – 100%

NOT APPLICABLE: I HAVE NEVER BEEN ON A PLANE

- 23%

- 30%

- 28%

- 7%

- 12%


Aircraft Results

While most respondents understood autonomy plays a role in today’s flights, very few were aware that most of their current flights are already automated. Survey participants were informed that only the first 10 minutes and final 10 minutes are generally controlled by a pilot, while the rest is automated. Consumers were then asked if this changed their perception of how safe autonomous flight is.

36% of respondents said they felt much safer about flying in autonomous planes now knowing the technology already works. An additional 31% also felt safer — and shocked that the level of automation was not common knowledge. Just 18% did not change their minds, remaining concerned about technology failure.


On your last flight, only the first 10 minutes and final 10 minutes were controlled by a pilot. The rest was autonomous. Does this change your perception on how safe autonomous flying is?

Perceptions shift with a new understanding of the level of autonomy on commercial flights.

YES, IT MAKES ME FEEL MUCH SAFER NOW THAT I KNOW THE TECHNOLOGY ALREADY WORKS

YES, BUT I’M SHOCKED IT’S NOT COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF MY LAST FLIGHT WAS AUTONOMOUS

NO, TAKE-OFF AND LANDING IS STILL MY BIGGEST CONCERN AND I DON’T TRUST AUTOPILOT

NO, THE TECHNOLOGY COULD STILL FAIL, SO WE STILL NEED HUMAN PILOTS

- 36%

- 31%

- 15%

- 18%


Aircraft Results

The shift in perception varied across markets, with Indian respondents being most influenced by the new information. 65% of consumers in India reported feeling much safer, 22% felt safer and surprised by the information, while just 5% remained concerned about technology failure. By contrast, 31% of German respondents said they felt much safer, 26% felt safer but surprised by the information and 21% did not feel safer, still concerned about technology failure.


30%

33%

17%

20%

31%

26%

21%

21%

30%

31%

17%

21%

38%

27%

16%

19%

39%

45%

10%

6%

65%

22%

7%

5%

Breakdown of perception shift by market with a new understanding of the level of autonomy on commercial flights.

On your last flight, only the first 10 minutes and final 10 minutes were controlled by a pilot. The rest was autonomous. Does this change your perception on how safe autonomous flying is?

US UK France China India

COUNTRY

YES, IT MAKES ME FEEL MUCH SAFER NOW THAT I KNOW THE TECHNOLOGY ALREADY WORKS

YES, BUT I’M SHOCKED IT’S NOT COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF MY LAST FLIGHT

WAS AUTONOMOUS

NO, TAKE-OFF AND LANDING IS STILL MY BIGGEST CONCERN AND I DON’T TRUST AUTOPILOT

NO, THE TECHNOLOGY COULD STILL FAIL, SO WE STILL NEED HUMAN PILOTS

Germany


Aircraft Results

More than half of all respondents (63%), said they would definitely or probably be willing to ride in a flying taxi, if it meant getting to their destination faster.

FORMING NEW PERCEPTIONS

Comfortability with flying taxis.

Would you ride in a flying taxi if it meant getting to your destination faster? A flying taxi is defined as a small passenger aircraft.

DEFINITELY - 22%

PROBABLY - 41%

PROBABLY NOT - 22%

DEFINITELY NOT - 15%


Aircraft Results

Respondents from India were most open to the idea, with only 4% saying they would definitely not want to ride in a flying taxi.

FORMING NEW PERCEPTIONS

India more open to flying taxis than global average.

Would you ride in a flying taxi if it meant getting to your destination faster? A flying taxi is defined as a small passenger aircraft.

DEFINITELY

PROBABLY

PROBABLY NOT

DEFINITELY NOT

22%

41%

22%

15%

58%

33%

4%

4%

India

AVERAGE ACROSS MARKETS


Although the public shares some safety concerns about both modes of transportation, many of those surveyed trust the technology that operates these vehicles. 71% of respondents believe that autonomous cars are better drivers than humans or will surpass human abilities within 10 years. 70% of consumers were comfortable with flying in an autonomous plane in their lifetime, the majority of which were not aware of the level of autonomy already involved in commercial flight.

Conclusions

With younger generations increasingly open to autonomous travel and an opportunity for improved education on AVs, it is reasonable to expect global comfort with autonomous travel to continue to rise.

There is a strong global interest in AVs. 50% of global respondents are ready to travel in autonomous cars and over 40% would fly in autonomous aircraft between now and the next five years. That number continues to grow as the timeline increases.

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