GM has been a trailblazer in the automotive industry when it comes to developing advanced autonomous driving systems. Seven years ago, they introduced Super Cruise, which allowed for hands-free driving. Now, GM is taking it a step further by aiming to create a system that enables drivers to keep their eyes off the road as well. This new system falls under the category of Level 3 autonomy, where the car can operate hands-off and eyes-off, but the driver still needs to be ready to take control if necessary.
Many automakers currently offer Level 2 autonomy, which automates certain driving functions but requires the driver to remain attentive. GM’s Super Cruise, along with Tesla’s Autopilot and Ford’s Blue Cruise, fall under this category. However, GM is striving to move beyond Level 2 to Level 3, where drivers won’t even need to look at the road anymore.
The Super Cruise system utilizes a combination of lidar map data, high-precision GPS, cameras, radar sensors, and a driver-attention system to ensure safe operation. It can accelerate, brake, steer, and change lanes automatically while the driver’s attention is being monitored. Although Super Cruise was initially limited to certain highways and Cadillac models, it is now widely available across GM brands and will expand to cover about 750,000 miles of roads in the US and Canada by the end of 2025.
GM’s Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering, Dave Richardson, expressed the company’s commitment to developing Level 3 autonomy. While no specific timeline was provided, recent hires like Anantha Kancherla, the new VP of ADAS, indicate that GM is ramping up its efforts. Kancherla’s experience in Silicon Valley, particularly with Lyft’s autonomous vehicles unit, brings valuable expertise to the table. The application of Super Cruise technology to discourage distracted driving even when the system is not activated showcases GM’s innovative approach to safety.
With a focus on software development, GM is positioning itself as a leader in autonomous driving technology. By leveraging the advancements in Level 3 autonomy, GM aims to offer customers a truly hands-free driving experience that is both safe and reliable. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, GM’s dedication to innovation and safety will play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous vehicles.
