This guide sets forth a complete classification framework for technical risk factors of Level 4 (L4) automated driving systems (ADS) during dynamic operation. It defines relevant terminology, taxonomy, hierarchical structure, classification principles, attribute descriptions, and inter-factor coupling rules. The guide covers perception, decision and planning, actuation, positioning, and mapping, Vehicle to Everything (V2X) communication, human-machine interaction, and system integration. It also addresses unified coding rules and application guidelines for risk factors. The technical risk factors referred to in this guide denote inherent system-level risks attributable to the ADS itself during dynamic operation, excluding risks arising from human driver actions, transitions of control, or shared driving authority. The in-scope risks cover perception, decision and planning, actuation, positioning and mapping, V2X communication, human-machine interaction (system-initiated side only), and system integration failures. The out-of-scope risks include: (a) human driver response failures and takeover performance issues specific to L3; (b) external environmental risks such as adverse weather, road infrastructure defects, and unpredictable traffic participant behaviors; and (c) organizational, regulatory, and operational management risks beyond the technical system boundary. This guide applies to L4 ADS deployed on robotaxis, automated shuttles and commercial automated vehicles for public road operation. L3, L5 and special-purpose automated vehicles may refer to this guide for technical risk classification. It only addresses inherent technical risks of ADS, while external environmental risks including weather, road conditions, and traffic participant behaviors are defined in companion standards. This document acts as the foundational supporting guide for the subsequent assessment method part of this guide series.
- Standard Committee
- ITSS/SC - Standards Committee
- Status
- Active PAR
- PAR Approval
- 2026-09-25
Working Group Details
- Society
- Society
- IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society
- Standard Committee
- ITSS/SC - Standards Committee
- Working Group
-
SRAM - Standard For Safety Risk Assessment Method for Level4 Automated Driving Systems
- IEEE Program Manager
- Michael Kipness
Contact Michael Kipness - Working Group Chair
- Liangyi Yang
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