[30713]

So we all know that Chevy is operating test autonomous Bolts for Cruze. Anyone think there will ever be a retrofit available to make your own into a self-driver? As I understand, it would need sensors and a steering control motor (plus a powerful CPU), but everything else is basically motorized and/or digital, so could be computer controlled (which is certainly the reason Chevy selected it for the trials).

Of course GM probably would rather try to railroad everyone into buying a new native autonomous car in 5 years, so maybe it would have to be 3rd party, then there are liability (and volume) issues standing in the way of seeing it on an existing Bolt...

Thoughts?

 

[redpoint5]

Not a chance.

I would expect the existing steering motor is powerful enough to provide the autonomous steering, but I would assume a redundant motor is necessary for such a critical driving function.

We won't be driving autonomous cars in 5 years. There will be examples of autonomous vehicles in certain particular environments/routes, but not a car that can cruise most everywhere by itself.

 

[Pigwich]

You guys saw this post, right?
https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/openpilot-on-2019-bolt.34371/

I also know the guy that's developing the version for the 2019 Bolt was just let go from his job, so....I dunno, maybe we all send the dude $20 so he can keep working?

 

[30713]

More info on it here: https://shulerent.com/openpilot-2019-chevy-bolt-port/

 

[psyflyjohn]

Being old, I thought about that when buying our '17 Bolt. I hope to keep it for 10 years, so hopefully, the dust will settle by 2027. By then I will need a self-driving car and one will be ready...

 

[Sibilance]

I put greater odds on self driving commercial trucks on well maintained INTERSTATE (emphasis is important here) Highways in the next 15 years than fully autonomous cars for normal folks.

Set up depots along the INTERSTATE highways (Which are generally adequately maintained with signage and stuff for numerous reasons, including national security,) and eliminate a lot of long haul salaries. Then humans do the local or tricky routes along 'normal' highways, byways, cattle paths, private roads, etc.

Also we tend to accept potential disaster and liability when there's money to be saved.

Again, INTERSTATE highways. Not your personal favorite highway, or some back route to Encino, or a Ranch Rd 'Highway.'