GM eyes-off driving for electric Cadillac in 2028: read and check texts on the highway

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• What GM plans to introduce in 2028
• How the “eyes-off” driving system will function
• Conversational AI arrives sooner: Google Gemini and beyond
  • Voice features drivers can expect
• Leadership outlines a future of full autonomy
• The sensor debate: LiDAR versus camera-only systems
• Business impact and market reaction
• Factory automation: cobots and robotics upgrades

General Motors says drivers of its electric Cadillac SUV will soon be able to take their eyes off the road on highways. The automaker unveiled a plan that pairs advanced sensors with conversational AI to shift how people spend time behind the wheel.

What GM plans to introduce in 2028

GM confirmed the feature will arrive in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028. The system is tailored for highway use and will notify drivers with a distinct color on the vehicle’s lighting when it is active.

• Model: Cadillac Escalade IQ (electric SUV).
• Date: Planned availability in 2028.
• Usage: Highway-only initial rollout.

How the “eyes-off” driving system will function

The company says the car will handle steering, braking and lane changes on highways. When the system is engaged, dashboard and mirror lighting will turn turquoise to indicate active automation.

GM states drivers will be able to read messages or interact with onboard apps while the vehicle drives itself. Safety interlocks and visual cues will guide use.

Conversational AI arrives sooner: Google Gemini and beyond

Long before the 2028 rollout, GM plans to embed conversational AI into its vehicles next year.

Voice features drivers can expect

• Talk to an assistant powered by Google Gemini.
• Send messages, plan routes, and ask for directions using natural language.
• Future GM-built AI will provide maintenance alerts and route recommendations.

Executives say the AI will be able to coach parking, suggest media, and flag mechanical issues. The goal is an assistant that blends into daily driving tasks.

Leadership outlines a future of full autonomy

GM executives painted a picture of cars that perform many daily chores. The vision includes vehicles that drive you to work, run errands, and return home when needed.

Company leaders emphasized that starting on highways provides the biggest near-term benefit. Commuters stand to reclaim hours otherwise spent on repetitive driving.

The sensor debate: LiDAR versus camera-only systems

GM’s eyes-off capability will rely heavily on LiDAR, a laser-based sensor that maps the environment in detail.

• LiDAR builds a 3D picture of surroundings using laser pulses.
• Waymo uses LiDAR in its autonomous taxis.
• Tesla opts for a camera-first, vision-only approach without LiDAR.

Elon Musk has criticized LiDAR for cost and complexity. GM counters that LiDAR improves detection and reliability for this level of autonomy.

Business impact and market reaction

The announcement followed a strong earnings report for GM. Shares ticked up after the event, reflecting investor interest in the company’s technology roadmap.

Rivals saw movement too: Tesla stock dipped slightly on the news, showing how advances from legacy automakers can influence market sentiment.

Factory automation: cobots and robotics upgrades

Beyond the cabin, GM said engineers are expanding robotics at assembly plants. The company is deploying collaborative robots, or cobots, to work alongside human employees.

• Cobots are designed to assist, not replace, human workers.
• They can adapt to different tasks on the line.
• Deployment is underway this year at select facilities.

GM framed these robotics improvements as part of a broader push to modernize production while improving efficiency and safety.