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ABSTRACT
Autonomous vehicles have been widely discussed recently due to the rapid advancement of related technologies and high growth potential in many markets around the world. To take a strategic position for coping with their fast development, business strategists have to find out the key players and how these players share technological information in the knowledge network. This research particularly explores the main technologies that have been developed and applied in this field by conducting a systematic and quantitative analysis to answer these questions. We analyse U.S. patents related to autonomous driving technology in a systematic manner through cross-citation analysis (CCA) and main path analysis (MPA). The former reveals knowledge flow among major players, while the latter uncovers the technology development trajectory and the associated players. The results of CCA indicate that several companies (e.g. Google and GM) in the U.S. utilise locational advantage to build an industrial chain and to facilitate knowledge exchange. MPA results reveal a development trajectory and the key players at different development phases. Our analysis infers four trends. First, more solutions in communication systems will be patented in the future as communication is crucial to realise vehicle-to-everything. Second, perception technologies are integrating with artificial intelligence to enhance vehicle autonomy. Third, players with roles as “technology developer”, “technology integrator”, and “technology implementer” in different development phases are together advancing autonomous driving technologies. Fourth, traditional vehicle makers are expected to strengthen their cooperation with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies for the purpose of obtaining communication and data technologies.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers for the very constructive comments, which have greatly improved the accuracy and readability of this article.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 U.S. Patent Laws, 35 U.S.C. 101: Inventions patentable. Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
2 Please see “Patent Quality and Value: Debunking the All Patents Are Created Equal Myth”. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://www.inquartik.com/wp-content/uploads/20200401-InQuartik-Patent-Quality-and-Value-Debunking-the-All-Patents-Are-Created-Equal-Myth-EN.pdf.
3 “A patent family is defined as related patent applications covering the same or similar technical content;” Source: Retrieved November 16, 2020, fromhttp://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponet.nsf/0/C9387E5053AA707BC125816A00508E8D/$File/Patent_Families_at_the_EPO_en.pdf.
4 AcclaimIP is a patent database provider owned by Anaqua. http://www.acclaimip.com/. AcclaimIP uses the DOCDB “simple family” definition from EPO when developing patent families. Source: Retrieved November 16, 2020, from http://help.acclaimip.com/m/acclaimip_help/l/279025-simple-family-field-sfam.
5 We assign an ID to each patent family by modifying the original family ID provided by the database.
6 Derwent Innovation is a patent database provider owned by Clarivate, one of the subsidiaries of Thomson Reuters. Source: https://clarivate.com/products/derwent-innovation/.
7 Please see “Global patent litigation strategy”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.iam-media.com/global-patent-litigation-strategy.
8 Please see “PWC Report, 2018 Patent Litigation Study”. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/forensics/library/patent-litigation-study.html.
9 The keyword query: “autonomous vehicle” OR “self-driving” OR “driver-less vehicles” OR “cybervehicles” OR “self driving vehicles” OR “driver-free vehicle” OR “autonomous driving” OR “self-driving vehicle technology” OR “automobile autonomy” OR “autonomous vehicles” OR “self-driving automobile” OR “vehicle robotics” OR “robotic automobile” OR “robot vehicle” OR “self driving vehicle” OR “driverless vehicles” OR “automated automobile” OR “robotic automobiles” OR “hands-free driving” OR “driverless vehicle” OR “self-driven vehicle” OR “autonomous automobile” OR “vehiclebot” OR “self-driving technology” OR “self-driving vehicle” OR “vehicle that drives itself” OR “automotive robotics” OR “self-driving vehicle” OR “computer-driven vehicle” OR “self-driving automobiles” OR “robotic vehicles” OR “driverless automobile” OR “automobile robotics” OR “self-driving vehicle” OR “vehicle autonomy” OR “robotic vehicle” OR “driverless automobiles” OR “self-steering vehicle” OR “robovehicle” OR “self-driving vehicles” OR “automated vehicle” OR “computer driving” OR “autonomous automobiles” OR “auto driver” OR “autonomous vehicle” OR “autonomous driving”.
10 Please see “Tesla, Mobileye rev up on future of self-driving car” Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://www.investors.com/tesla-motors-mobileye-stock-up-on-self-driving-cars-uber/.
11 Please see ASIMO’s history, Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://global.honda/innovation/robotics/ASIMO.html.
12 Please see “Toyota will establish new artificial intelligence research and development company”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.tri.global/news/toyota-will-establish-new-artificial-intelligence-research-and-development-company-2015-11-5/.
13 Please see “Honda and China-based Sensetime to pursue joint research and development in AI technologies for automated driving”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://hondanews.eu/eu/fi/corporate/media/pressreleases/124192/honda-and-china-based-sensetime-to-pursue-joint-research-and-development-in-ai-technologies-for-auto.
14 Please see “Honda to invest $2.8bn in GM’s self-driving car unit”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-45728169.
15 The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system is a bilateral system that has been jointly developed by EPO and USPTO. The CPC system is subject to ongoing revision by both offices, and documents are reclassified accordingly. It is designed for efficient searching, which is an important aspect for users of patent information.
16 The CPC code comprises different levels representing section, class, subclass, and main group or subgroup.
17 Please see “GM buys Cruise Automation to speed self-driving car strategy”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://de.reuters.com/article/gm-cruiseautomation/gm-buys-cruise-automation-to-speed-self-driving-car-strategy-idUKL1N16J01N.
18 Please see “Ford targets fully autonomous vehicle for ride sharing in 2021; invests in new tech companies, doubles Silicon Valley team”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2016/08/16/ford-targets-fully-autonomous-vehicle-for-ride-sharing-in-2021.html.
19 Please see “Ford invests in Argo AI, a new artificial intelligence company, in drive for autonomous vehicle leadership”. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2017/02/10/ford-invests-in-argo-ai-new-artificial-intelligence-company.html.
20 Please see “KPMG Report, 2019 Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index”. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2019/02/2019-autonomous-vehicles-readiness-index.html.