GM Advances Toward Eyes-Off Autonomous Driving: What’s Next for Super Cruise?
The Evolution of GM’s Autonomous Driving Technology
Seven years after pioneering hands-free driving with its Super Cruise system, General Motors (GM) is now developing an even more advanced eyes-off, hands-off driving solution. According to Dave Richardson, GM’s Senior Vice President of Software and Services Engineering, the automaker is aggressively working to upgrade Super Cruise from Level 2 (L2) to Level 3 (L3) autonomy—allowing drivers to take their eyes off the road entirely.
Understanding Level 3 Autonomy
- Not Fully Self-Driving: Unlike Level 4 (L4) systems (e.g., Waymo’s robotaxis), L3 systems still require driver intervention when necessary.
- Highway-Focused: These systems typically operate on highways at controlled speeds.
- Industry Leader?: If successful, GM would join Mercedes-Benz (with its Drive Pilot system) as one of the few automakers offering L3 capabilities in the U.S.
How Super Cruise Works Today
GM’s current Super Cruise system combines:
- Lidar mapping and high-precision GPS
- Camera and radar sensors
- Driver-attention monitoring (ensuring eyes remain on the road)
When activated, Super Cruise can:
- Maintain speed and safe following distances
- Steer within lanes
- Execute automatic lane changes
Expanding Accessibility
Initially limited to the Cadillac CT6, Super Cruise is now available across GM brands like Chevrolet and GMC. By 2025, GM plans to extend coverage to 750,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada, including rural highways.
The Road to Level 3: Challenges and Opportunities
Richardson emphasized that launching L3 too early could backfire:
“If you don’t quite trust it, and it kicks you out, it’s like driving with a 15-year-old learner—it becomes more stressful.”
Key Hires Signal Progress
GM recently brought on Anantha Kancherla (ex-Meta, Microsoft, and Lyft AV) as VP of ADAS to accelerate innovation. His experience in autonomous tech could prove pivotal in refining Super Cruise’s next phase.
Silicon Valley Influence
GM’s software leadership now includes several Silicon Valley veterans, including Richardson (formerly at Apple for 11 years). Their expertise may fast-track GM’s autonomous ambitions.
What’s Next?
While no timeline was shared, GM’s push toward eyes-off autonomy could redefine the future of highway driving—if executed flawlessly. Stay tuned for updates as Super Cruise evolves.
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