Cadillac to Pioneer AI-Powered Eyes-Off Driving, Conversational Commands in 2028 

We’ve heard a lot about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the near future, but have you considered it could soon lend you an active hand while you’re seated behind the wheel of your next car?  Michael Hohl Cadillac announces that Cadillac will introduce AI systems that allow not only for conversational voice command of vehicle systems, but ultimately even eyes-off semi-automated driving. 

Eyes-off driving 

In 2028, General Motors will introduce eyes-off driving on the Cadillac Escalade IQ, beginning with select highways.  Think of this as a natural evolution of the already revolutionary SuperCruise hands-free driving assistance system – the intent is to not only allow the driver to remove hands and feet from the vehicle’s controls but also avert their eyes from the road as well.  

In contrast to systems that depend exclusively on visual input, GM’s methodology underscores redundancy through the incorporation of lidar, radar, and cameras into the vehicle architecture. At the core of this approach is sensor fusion: lidar, radar, and cameras constitute the perception layer; real-world driving data trains the decision-making model; and high-fidelity simulation evaluates performance in infrequent or hazardous scenarios. This methodology results in a safe, dependable, and highly capable autonomous system that functions without human intervention. 

Similar to the green indicator lighting for SuperCruise, turquoise lighting on the dashboard and in the exterior mirror turn signal lenses will indicate when the vehicle is ready for eyes-off operation. Once activated, the driver can safely shift focus from the road ahead to other things, including facing fellow passengers, catching up on messages, or any other task that requires visual attention.  

Cruise, a self-driving car company acquired by General Motors, assisted in developing this technology. Initially created for autonomous taxis, it will now be integrated into Cadillac models and other GM vehicles to assist with highway driving— a task considered less complex than navigating the complexities of an urban street.  

Conversational AI 

Beginning next year, GM vehicles will incorporate conversational AI to enable more natural interactions. Drivers will be able to compose and send messages and plan routes with contextual details, such as locating a charging station near a preferred coffee shop or preparing for a meeting while on the move. 

The initial system will use Google Gemini; however, GM intends to develop its own custom AI that is tailored to a specific vehicle and a driver’s personal preferences. The system will be able to respond to requests made in conversational English, and also help explain various vehicle systems should any questions arise. Additionally, it will be able to interface with other subsystems on your vehicle and offer helpful, car-specific details such as upcoming maintenance or the best times for routes. Drivers will be able to determine what level of engagement they desire, including what information is shared and how personalized the experience is.  

These systems can both be expected to first arrive on 2028 Cadillac models, starting with the Escalade IQ, and then spread to other models that have been redesigned to accommodate the system. 

We may not want AI writing our television shows, but in these task-specific roles, it is just another tool designed to improve your vehicle ownership experience. In the summer of 2027, you can ask one of the Michael Hohl sales professionals to let you know when the first AI-enhanced Cadillac models arrive so you can check out the system yourself.