North America International Auto Show highlights self-driving

Lexus LF-1 Limitless released at the 2018 NAIAS features self-parking, drive-by-wire steering, braking signalling and other self-driving technologies. [Photo: China Plus/Liu Kun]

This year's North America International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan has been focused on self-driving technologies.

While significant advancements continue to be made in the sector, a lack of verification systems is said to be hindering the development of the technology.

Self-driving cars are dominating the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit, with discussion topics at different panels during the auto show focused on the automated sector.

Audiences here are showing a decent amount of interest in the technology, while many automakers are scrambling to stake their claim in the sector.

Elain Chao, US Secretary of Transportation speaks about self-driving technologies at the 2018 NAIAS, which is being held from January 13th 28th in Cobo Center of downtown Detroit, Michigan. [Photo: China Plus/Liu Kun]

However, a growing number of voices from the US Department of Transportation, as well as some of this year's participants, are suggesting that the next major step is the establishment of a safety verification system that's recognized by everyone within the industry.

US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, addressing the auto show, says many Americans still have doubts about the technology.

"Many have concerns about the safety, security and privacy of autonomous vehicle technology. A recent AAA survey found that 78% of American surveyed are afraid to ride in a driverless car. If you refer to it as a self-driving car, the anxiety drops a little bit, but there's still anxiety. So there are legitimate public concerns that must be addressed before this technology can reach its full potential in our society."

A number of automakers and tech companies participating at this year's event in Detroit are also expressing similar concerns.

Jack Weast is the chief architect of autonomous driving solutions at Intel.

Jack Weast (left), chief architect of autonomous driving solutions at Intel, speaks about self-driving technologies at a forum during the 2018 NAIAS, which is being held from January 13th 28th in Cobo Center of downtown Detroit, Michigan.[Photo: China Plus/Liu Kun]

He says the main reason why people don't trust self-driving cars is that there's no established tech verification system at the moment.

"And part of lack of trust, that difficulty in trusting in these vehicles, is consumers being unaware of how the cars are making decisions. So if we as an industry can get together and show them that there's a model for decision making, that can be formally verified, proven correct, we think that's an important step towards making customers or consumers more comfortable with these cars and showing them that they will be safe on the road."

The US government has been active in promoting the establishment of such systems.

In September, the US Department of Transportation released a new Automated Driving Systems guideline designed to try to give car companies more autonomy in testing their technology.

Transport Secretary Elaine Chao says they intend to release an updated version of the guidelines this coming summer.

"This technology is changing so fast that a multi-model version, AV 3.0 is already in the works. We welcome your input. Look for it to be released sometime this summer. The Department will update this guidance as often as needed. That's part of our commitment to streamline the process and keep pace with innovation."

Despite the regulatory challenges, Jack Weast with Intel says the technology is still advancing.

"I think there's a lot of intelligence yet to be built into self-driving software. We certainly hope it's ubiquitous in five to ten years, but I certainly don't think it will become a commodity."