Assessment of the Road Ecosystem for Autonomous Vehicles

The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology heralds a transformative era in mobility, promising to redefine transportation with enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Realizing this potential necessitates road ecosystem that fosters seamless interactions between AVs, infrastructure, and societal elements. This article assesses road ecosystem criterion groups tailored for AVs, encompassing critical components for their seamless operation. It addresses physical and digital infrastructure, communications, social environment and road users, and legal and economic environments. Integrating these diverse criterion groups creates a holistic framework supporting AV deployment and operation. By assessing the interplay between these groups, the study highlights the most important areas that facilitate seamless AV integration. The analysis examines the importance of current infrastructure for AVs, the effectiveness of communication systems, and the impact of social environment and road users, alongside the regulatory and economic conditions necessary for AV adoption. This article underscores the critical need for a multidisciplinary approach in shaping the future of transportation, paving the way for a seamless and sustainable transition into the era of autonomous mobility.