Machine learning techniques enabling advanced autonomous vehicle navigation

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a critical technique for the development of advanced autonomous vehicle (AV) navigation systems. Machine learning techniques are driving substantial development in self-driving capabilities by allowing vehicles to observe their surroundings, make complicated judgments, and regulate their movements with minimum human intervention. The article provides an overview of the fundamental ML approaches that enable AV navigation. Deep learning methods, notably Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), are commonly employed in the perception stage for object detection, lane recognition, semantic segmentation, and sensor fusion, where inputs from cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors are combined. These methods enable autonomous vehicles to accurately and in real time perceive dynamic and complicated road situations. Reinforcement and imitation learning provide excellent frameworks for AVs to learn adaptive actions like merging, overtaking, and responding to unforeseen obstacles. These strategies enable cars to make smart, context-aware judgments using historical and real-time data. In terms of control, ML improves traditional vehicle dynamics by anticipating the best control signals for acceleration, braking, and steering. This connection enables smoother, safer navigation and better responsiveness to changing driving conditions. Emerging technologies like federated learning and edge AI improve AV systems by allowing distributed learning across fleets while maintaining data privacy and lowering latency. Despite persistent problems such as data variability, model interpretability, and safety certification, machine learning remains at the forefront of advances in autonomous navigation technology. Finally, ML approaches are important for developing intelligent, dependable, and scalable autonomous cars for real-world use.

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Publication Details

Journal
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D Journal of Automobile Engineering
Published
2026-01-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/09544070251408897
Primary Topic
Autonomous Vehicle Technology and Safety
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Machine learning techniques enabling advanced autonomous vehicle navigation

Abhishek Shrivastava, Abhishek Pradhan, Ashutosh Ranjan, Gouri Saxena
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D Journal of Automobile Engineering
Autonomous Vehicle Technology and Safety
article

Machine learning techniques enabling advanced autonomous vehicle navigation

Abhishek Shrivastava, Abhishek Pradhan, Ashutosh Ranjan, Gouri Saxena
article en

Abstract

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a critical technique for the development of advanced autonomous vehicle (AV) navigation systems. Machine learning techniques are driving substantial development in self-driving capabilities by allowing vehicles to observe their surroundings, make complicated judgments, and regulate their movements with minimum human intervention. The article provides an overview of the fundamental ML approaches that enable AV navigation. Deep learning methods, notably Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), are commonly employed in the perception stage for object detection, lane recognition, semantic segmentation, and sensor fusion, where inputs from cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors are combined. These methods enable autonomous vehicles to accurately and in real time perceive dynamic and complicated road situations. Reinforcement and imitation learning provide excellent frameworks for AVs to learn adaptive actions like merging, overtaking, and responding to unforeseen obstacles. These strategies enable cars to make smart, context-aware judgments using historical and real-time data. In terms of control, ML improves traditional vehicle dynamics by anticipating the best control signals for acceleration, braking, and steering. This connection enables smoother, safer navigation and better responsiveness to changing driving conditions. Emerging technologies like federated learning and edge AI improve AV systems by allowing distributed learning across fleets while maintaining data privacy and lowering latency. Despite persistent problems such as data variability, model interpretability, and safety certification, machine learning remains at the forefront of advances in autonomous navigation technology. Finally, ML approaches are important for developing intelligent, dependable, and scalable autonomous cars for real-world use.

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part D Journal of Automobile Engineering
Barkatullah University (IN)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 96%
Autonomous Vehicle Technology and Safety
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