This paper deals with the fundamental analysis of autonomous driving. Besides the levels of autonomous driving, risks and advantages as well as the opportunities and threats are described. Furthermore, the basic technological aspects of an autonomous vehicle are described. Components like LiDAR, RADAR and sonar as well as the neuronal network are explained. For a better understanding, different examples like an autonomous forklift or the car from the company Tesla are presented. Each of the examples uses an equal technical approach but with different combination and use of the technology. The innovative technology of autonomous driving allows the development of business models across a number of different industries. Autonomous driving helps to improve existing processes and forms the basis for new business processes. In many industries autonomous vehicles already play an important role and will play an increasingly important role as technology is improved.

The legal and ethical aspects are also a part of this paper. Three main questions like ‘how should a system decide if an accident is inevitable‘ are discussed in the middle of the paper. Further, the current state of research is discussed. Projects like PEGASUS or the Daimler and BMW joint venture with the goal of reaching a higher level of autonomous driving are outlined.