GM Aims for Eyes-Off Driving by 2028, Pushing Boundaries of Autonomous Technology

General Motors is targeting 2028 for the introduction of technology that could allow drivers to take their eyes off the road while their vehicle handles highway driving. This advancement, planned for the Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV, could enable occupants to engage in activities like answering emails, watching shows, or participating in virtual meetings during transit.

GM's current hands-free system, Super Cruise, is available on more than 20 models and manages steering, acceleration, and braking on compatible roads. However, it requires drivers to remain attentive to the road. The planned upgrade aims to remove this constant attention requirement when the eyes-off feature is engaged on compatible highways, with potential expansion to other roads.

The system will utilize lidar, radar, and cameras for environmental monitoring. Turquoise indicator lights on the dashboard and exterior mirrors will signal when eyes-off driving is active. The technology's availability is contingent on further development, rigorous safety testing, and alignment with state laws.

Simulating Distraction and Reaction

To prepare for this shift, GM is conducting extensive research at its Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. Volunteers are placed in vehicle simulators that replicate various road conditions, including sudden traffic changes and construction zones. Sensors monitor drivers' eye movements, heart rates, and stress responses to understand their behavior when the automated system encounters unexpected situations.

In a notable aspect of this research, some participants are tasked with playing mobile games like Candy Crush. This approach helps researchers gauge how quickly and effectively drivers can shift their attention back to the driving task after being engaged in a distracting activity. This is critical given that at 70 mph, a vehicle travels approximately 103 feet per second, meaning a brief lapse in attention can cover a significant distance.

GM is also expanding its autonomous driving ambitions to include its full-size SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks, including gas-powered models. The timeline for this broader rollout has not yet been announced.

Comparing Autonomous Driving Systems

Several automakers offer advanced driver-assistance systems, but capabilities vary. Ford's BlueCruise and Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) systems, for instance, still necessitate active driver supervision. Mercedes-Benz previously offered conditional eyes-off driving in limited U.S. scenarios but has since shifted its focus to next-generation systems.

GM's objective is to provide eyes-off driving capabilities at highway speeds across a wide network of compatible roads, with plans to extend the feature to additional models following its debut in the Escalade IQ.

Subscription Models and Future Costs

Automakers are increasingly exploring subscription-based models for advanced features. GM already charges for Super Cruise access beyond an initial included period, with plans starting at $39.99 per month after a three-year service period. The pricing for the future eyes-off technology has not been disclosed, though industry analysts suggest drivers may be willing to pay for features that offer more free time during commutes. The long-term cost of ownership, including potential monthly fees, remains a consideration for consumers.

As this technology develops, GM advises drivers to remain attentive and follow system instructions until eyes-off operation is explicitly authorized under appropriate conditions.