New Cadillac CT6 Features First Hands-Free Driving Tech For Highway

Contrary to other driver assistance systems, Super Cruise employs two advanced technology systems - a driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data - to assure safe and confident vehicle operation, said the automaker in an official statement.

When initiated, the Super Cruise feature will allow drivers to adjust the sound system, using the sat-nav or even taking a phone call, while the car drives itself.

"Super Cruise is a more technologically advanced hands-free driving solution, which in terms of capability, integration and validation is uniquely focused on customer convenience and safety," said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. "Cadillac's philosophy is to elevate driving. Super Cruise enables safe, simple hands-free driving for the highway."

"When we were developing Super Cruise we knew it was important to keep the driver engaged during operation. That's why we've added a driver attention function, to insist on driver supervision," said Barry Walkup, chief engineer of Cadillac Super Cruise.

The driver attention system utilises a small camera positioned on the top of the steering column that focuses on the driver and operates with infrared lights to track head position to decide where the driver is looking whenever Super Cruise is in operation.

Current driver assists systems only to rely upon steering wheel input and warning messages to request driver attention and control.

Cadillac is the only auto manufacturer to monitor driver attention to the road ahead when Super Cruise feature is employed, claims the automaker.

If the system identifies the driver has turned attention elsewhere from the road ahead for too long, it will indicate the driver to regain their attention to the road ahead.

In case the driver does not immediately returns his/ her attention on the road, Super Cruise feature will proceed to safely drive until a new escalation of alerts prompts the driver to continue supervision.

If the system discovers continued inattentiveness, a steering wheel light bar supervises the driver to view the road or take back command of the wheel.

"The development of Super Cruise reflects a responsible and safety-oriented approach to the rollout of this advanced technology," de Nysschen said.