General Motors Tests Eyes-Off Driving for 2028 Cadillac

General Motors is developing next-generation eyes-off autonomous driving technology intended for the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric SUV. Using immersive 360-degree simulators at its Global Technical Center, the company is testing how drivers react when they are fully distracted from the road.

Researchers are monitoring volunteers' physiological responses, including heart rate, stress levels, and eye movements, while they engage in activities like watching movies, using laptops, or playing Candy Crush. These tests aim to determine how quickly a driver can regain control when prompted by the system. The future technology will combine lidar, radar, and cameras to allow motorists to look away from the road during highway use, a significant shift from the current Super Cruise system which requires full driver attention.

Company executives note that the transition to eyes-off capability represents a major value proposition for consumers by giving them back their time. However, the company faces challenges regarding customer trust and a fragmented regulatory landscape. Because there is a lack of federal regulation governing these systems, the automaker must seek operational approvals on a state-by-state basis.