Frequently Asked Questions

comma openpilot is an open source driver-assistance system. Currently, openpilot performs the functions of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Automated Lane Centering (ALC) for compatible vehicles. It performs similarly to Tesla Autopilot and GM Super Cruise. openpilot can steer, accelerate, and brake automatically for other vehicles within its lane. Check it out on GitHub.

In order to enforce driver alertness, openpilot includes a camera based Driver Monitoring (DM) system that alerts the driver when distracted or asleep. However, even with an attentive driver, we must make further efforts for the system to be safe. We have designed openpilot with two other safety considerations:

The driver must always be capable to immediately retake manual control of the vehicle, by stepping on either pedal or by pressing the cancel button.

The vehicle must not alter its trajectory too quickly for the driver to safely react. This means that while the system is engaged, the actuators are constrained to operate within reasonable limits.

openpilot works by taking the radar data integrated with supported car models and combining it with the camera built into comma hardware, to determine what acceleration, braking, and steering events are required.

Yes, the driver must always be able to immediately retake manual control of the vehicle, by stepping on either pedal or by pressing the cancel button. When openpilot is engaged, a driver monitoring system actively tracks driver awareness to help prevent distractions. The openpilot system disengages if you are distracted. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road at all times and be ready to take control of the car.

openpilot Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is not a system that allows careless or inattentive driving. It is still necessary for the driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings and to be ready to re-take control of the gas and the brake at all times.

Many factors can impact the performance of openpilot ACC, causing it to be unable to function as intended. These include, but are not limited to:

• Poor visibility (heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.) or weather conditions are interfering with sensor operation.
• The road facing camera or radar are obstructed, covered, or damaged by mud, ice, snow, etc.
• Obstruction caused by applying excessive paint or adhesive products (such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.) onto the vehicle.
• Approaching a toll booth. 
• When driving on roads with pedestrians, cyclists, etc...
• In presence of traffic signs or stop lights, which are not detected by openpilot at this time.
• When the posted speed limit is below the user selected set speed. openpilot does not detect speed limits at this time.
• In presence of vehicles in the same lane that are not moving.
• When abrupt braking maneuvers are required. openpilot is designed to be limited in the amount of deceleration and acceleration that it can produce.
• When surrounding vehicles perform close cut-ins from neighbor lanes.
• Driving on hills, narrow, or winding roads.
• Extremely hot or cold temperatures.
• Bright light (due to oncoming headlights, direct sunlight, etc.)
• Interference from other equipment that generates ultrasonic waves.

The list above does not represent an exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with proper operation of openpilot components. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times.