From Hands-Free to Eyes-Free: GM’s Vision for the Next Generation of Driving

• General Motors is transforming its Super Cruise system into Level 3 (L3) driving technology, allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road in certain situations.
• Super Cruise, which uses laser mapping, high-precision GPS, and radar sensors, plans to cover 750,000 miles of roadways in the United States and Canada by 2025.
• With strategic appointments like Anantha Kancherla and an emphasis on safety, GM is positioned to lead in the competitive autonomous car sector.

General Motors (GM) is taking steps towards the future of driving with ambitious ambitions to improve its sophisticated driver aid system, Super Cruise. Seven years after pioneering hands-free driving, GM is currently working on a Level 3 (L3) technology that will allow drivers to take their eyes off the road under specific conditions. This evolution represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology, with the goal of redefining how we experience mobility.

Understanding Level 3 Driving

Level 3 driving, also known as L3, provides a substantial advancement over current systems. Unlike completely autonomous vehicles, such as those operated by Waymo, which are classified as Level 4, L3 is primarily intended for highway use at slower speeds. In this scenario, drivers can temporarily detach from active supervision while being liable for taking control if necessary.

Only a few automakers now provide L3 capabilities in the United States, notably Mercedes-Benz’s limited ‘Drive Pilot’ system. GM’s planned upgrade to Super Cruise intends to elevate it to this elite group by offering a more advanced driving experience that prioritises safety and convenience.

Super Cruise: A Comprehensive Driving Assistance System

Since its inception in 2017, Super Cruise has set the standard for hands-free driving by combining cutting-edge technologies. This includes:

• Lidar Maps: Provide accurate information about the vehicle’s surroundings.
• High-precision GPS: ensures precise location tracking.
• Radar Sensors: Detect objects and obstacles in real-time.
• Driver Attention Monitoring: Keeping track of the driver’s engagement.

The system enables vehicles to retain lane position, make autonomous lane changes, and alter speed in response to traffic circumstances. Super Cruise was initially confined to specific GM models and highways, but it is now available throughout the whole GM portfolio, including Chevrolet and GMC.

By the end of 2025, GM intends to expand Super Cruise’s coverage to roughly 750,000 miles of roadways in the United States and Canada. This extension encompasses rural and secondary highways, making it more convenient for daily driving.

The Path to Level 3: GM’s Strategy and Timeline

While GM has not announced a specific schedule for the implementation of its L3 technology, the firm is taking preemptive steps to ensure a successful launch. Dave Richardson, Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering at General Motors, emphasised the necessity of establishing consumer trust in this new technology. Launching too soon may cause scepticism among drivers, which he compares to the stress of driving with an inexperienced teenager.

GM’s Dedication to Safety and Innovation

As GM works to transition from Level 2 to Level 3 driving, the company’s priority continues to uphold the greatest safety requirements. The introduction of the driver attention aid technology demonstrates GM’s commitment to eliminating distractions, even when Super Cruise is not active.

The evolution of Super Cruise illustrates GM’s desire to lead the competitive autonomous car market. With an increasingly talented staff and a strong software strategy, GM is set to transform the future of hands-free, eyes-free driving.