General Motors Tested Eyes-Off Driving Technology
Researchers at the Warren technical center are using simulators to prepare for a 2028 hands-free system launch.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Car Types
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General Motors has been using immersive simulators at its Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, to develop new eyes-off autonomous vehicle technology. The company plans to release this advanced version of its current Super Cruise system by 2028.
Why it matters
Automakers are racing to develop eyes-off systems because consumers have expressed a greater willingness to pay for features that allow them to perform other tasks while driving. This transition represents a major shift toward subscription-based revenue models for vehicle manufacturers.
General Motors currently offers Super Cruise on more than 20 different vehicle models, with the technology active on 630,000 miles of U.S. and Canadian roads. By comparison, competitor Ford maintains its BlueCruise system across more than 130,000 miles of North American roads.
The players
General Motors
An automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicle brands and has been integrating driver assistance features since 2017.
Ford
A major automotive manufacturer and rival that offers a hands-free driver assistance system known as BlueCruise.
The details
In Warren, researchers monitor biometric data such as heart stress, eye movement, and sweating to understand human responses to road scenarios. During simulated drives, participants are asked to play games like Candy Crush to test how effectively drivers can re-engage with the road after being distracted by other tasks.
Timeline
2017: General Motors began selling vehicles equipped with Super Cruise technology.
2028: General Motors plans to launch its eyes-off Super Cruise system.
The Home Front
This move toward eyes-off technology follows the industry-wide push to expand automated driver assistance features beyond current highway-speed limitations. It marks a departure from existing systems like Super Cruise, which require continuous driver monitoring, toward fully autonomous capabilities.
If you own a GM vehicle with Super Cruise, continue to actively monitor the road as current systems are not designed for eyes-off use. Look for updates regarding the 2028 system launch, particularly if you are considering the upcoming Cadillac Escalade IQ.
The takeaway
The move toward eyes-off driving aims to turn your commute into time for other tasks, though full automation remains years away. For now, focus on understanding the specific limitations of your vehicle's current driver-assistance features by checking your owner manual.
Further reading
For more on the changing technology in your driveway, explore our latest updates on Car Types.
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Would you trust an autonomous vehicle system enough to take your eyes off the road?
