Openpilot
Developed by comma.ai in 2016, openpilot is an open-source software for autonomous driving. Once installed on a comma dash cam, it can connect to a car's existing driver-assistance system. This connection allows openpilot to control the steering wheel and acceleration. Based on over 40 million miles of user driving data it has collected, openpilot uses machine learning to automate basic driving tasks like lane-centering and speed adjustment.
Because it relies on built-in features like advanced cruise control, openpilot is only supported on a limited number of cars, most of which were produced more recently than 2015. Users can also attempt to manually create ports for their vehicles using software provided by comma.ai.
What can openpilot do?
In optimal road conditions, openpilot can:
- Act as a GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation device.
- Automatically accelerate and decelerate the car to match the speed of traffic.
- Center the vehicle in the lane by identifying the curves of the road.
- Perform lane changes when a driver turns on their signal and nudges the steering wheel.
- Detect whether the driver is looking at the road using eye-tracking.
- Slow the car to a complete stop if the driver stops looking at the road for too long.
What level of autonomy is openpilot?
There are 5 levels of autonomous driving. Openpilot is classified as a level 2 autonomous driving system. Level 1 systems can only take over one task, such as speed automation or lane centering. Level 3 systems, on the other hand, can allow the user to temporarily give complete control to the automated system. Openpilot is currently between these two levels because it can do multiple driving tasks but requires the driver's constant attention.