Agentic Vehicles for Human-Centered Mobility: Definition, Prospects, and System Implications

Abstract

Autonomy, from the Greek autos (self) and nomos (law), refers to the capacity to operate according to internal rules without external control. Autonomous vehicles (AuVs) are therefore understood as systems that perceive their environment and execute pre-programmed tasks independently of external input, consistent with the SAE levels of automated driving. Yet recent research and real-world deployments have begun to showcase vehicles that exhibit behaviors outside the scope of this definition. These include natural language interaction with humans, goal adaptation, contextual reasoning, external tool use, and the handling of unforeseen ethical dilemmas, enabled in part by multimodal large language models (LLMs). These developments highlight not only a gap between technical autonomy and the broader cognitive and social capacities required for human-centered mobility, but also the emergence of a form of vehicle intelligence that currently lacks a clear designation. To address this gap, the paper introduces the concept of agentic vehicles (AgVs): vehicles that exhibit agency, the capacity for goal-driven reasoning, strategic adaptation, self-reflection, and purposeful engagement with complex environments. We conclude by outlining key challenges in the development and governance of AgVs and their potential role in shaping future agentic transportation systems that align with user and societal needs.

Reproductions