Latest news with #STLAAutoDrive
Fox News
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
Ready to drive without your hands on the wheel or eyes on the road?
Are you ready to use your daily commute to catch up on your favorite show, respond to emails or simply enjoy the view without worrying about the road ahead? This vision of the future is becoming increasingly real thanks to advancements in autonomous driving technology. Stellantis, the parent company of brands like Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler, has just unveiled its STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system, which the company hopes will soon revolutionize the way we drive. Stellantis has developed its cutting-edge Level 3 automated driving system. This innovative technology allows motorists to safely take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel. Stellantis' STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system is designed to handle driving tasks autonomously at speeds of up to 37 mph in traffic and on highways under certain conditions. This means drivers can potentially engage in activities like watching movies, reading books or catching up on emails during their commute. The system will manage steering, acceleration, braking and maintain safe distances from other vehicles without human intervention. However, there's a catch: Despite being fully developed and ready for deployment, Stellantis isn't launching these features just yet. The company cites a limited market for Level 3 autonomous driving as the reason for holding back, that they'll introduce the technology once the market becomes more receptive. STLA AutoDrive offers several impressive features that make it stand out in the world of autonomous driving. It offers hands-free and eyes-off functionality at speeds of up to 37 mph, allowing drivers to completely disengage from driving tasks. The system is designed to work at night and in light rain, providing reliable performance in various weather conditions. Additionally, an automated sensor-cleaning system ensures that critical components remain clear for optimal reliability and functionality. Built on a cloud-connected platform, STLA AutoDrive can receive over-the-air updates to improve its capabilities, making it a scalable and adaptable technology. Furthermore, Stellantis hints at potential upgrades that could enable operation at speeds of up to 59 mph and even off-road automation. Level 3 autonomy, often referred to as "conditional automation," presents unique challenges. The system can only be activated under certain driving conditions, requiring specific environmental and traffic criteria to be met. Also, drivers must remain alert and prepared to take control at a moment's notice, which can be a difficult standard to maintain. Regulatory authorities also face challenges in setting and enforcing standards for this level of autonomy, as it requires a delicate balance between safety and technological innovation. Stellantis isn't alone in the pursuit of Level 3 autonomy. Mercedes-Benz was the first to launch an SAE Level 3 system in commercial vehicles in Europe and the U.S. in 2023. Other major automakers, including Honda, Ford, GM, Volvo, Sony, Kia and Xpeng, are also developing their own Level 3 systems, indicating a competitive and rapidly evolving landscape in the automotive industry. When STLA AutoDrive eventually hits the market, it could significantly change the driving experience. Automated driving in heavy traffic could make commutes less stressful, allowing you to relax or engage in other activities. Additionally, you might be able to use travel time more efficiently, whether that means catching up on work or enjoying leisure activities. Enhanced safety is another potential benefit, as advanced sensors and AI could reduce human error and improve overall road safety. Stellantis' STLA AutoDrive is no doubt a significant milestone toward fully autonomous vehicles. While the technology is ready, the market and regulatory landscape are still catching up. As automakers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, we're inching closer to a future where cars truly drive themselves. However, the transition will likely be gradual, with safety and consumer acceptance playing crucial roles in the widespread adoption of Level 3 and beyond autonomous driving technologies. Are you ready to take your hands off the wheel and let technology do the driving? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Economic Key
09-03-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Key
Stellantis Unveils STLA AutoDrive, Hands-Free
Stellantis N.V. today unveiled STLA AutoDrive 1.0, the Company's first in-house-developed automated driving system, delivering Hands-Free and Eyes-Off (SAE Level 3) functionality. STLA AutoDrive is a key pillar of Stellantis' technology strategy, alongside STLA Brain and STLA Smart Cockpit, advancing vehicle intelligence, automation and user experience. STLA AutoDrive enables automated driving at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph), reducing driver workload in stop-and-go traffic and giving back valuable time. Ideal for commuters in dense urban areas, STLA AutoDrive will allow drivers to temporarily engage in non-driving tasks such as watching a movie, catching up on emails, reading a book or simply looking out the window, reclaiming valuable time. 'Helping drivers make the best use of their time is a priority,' said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. 'By handling routine driving tasks, STLA AutoDrive will enhance the driving experience, making time behind the wheel more efficient and enjoyable.' The system is designed for simplicity: when traffic and environmental conditions align, drivers are notified that STLA AutoDrive is available. Once activated by a physical button, the system takes control, maintaining safe distances, adjusting speed, and managing steering and braking seamlessly based on traffic flow. STLA AutoDrive continuously monitors its surroundings through an advanced suite of sensors to ensure high-precision awareness and reliable operation, even at night or in challenging weather conditions such as light rain or road spray. To maintain consistent performance, an automated sensor-cleaning system keeps critical components clear for optimal reliability and functionality. Stellantis engineers have refined STLA AutoDrive to react quickly and naturally, ensuring that the system feels smooth, predictable and human-like in real-world conditions. Whether maintaining safe following distances or adjusting to merging traffic, the system operates seamlessly to provide a confident, stress-free drive. At higher speeds, STLA AutoDrive offers the convenience of Adaptive Cruise Control and lane centering functions in Level 2 (hands-on) and Level 2+ (hands-off, eyes-on) modes. Built on a scalable architecture, STLA AutoDrive is ready for deployment and can be adapted for global markets across Stellantis branded vehicles, ensuring a smooth rollout as commercial strategies align with market demand. The system is also cloud-connected, enabling continuous enhancements through over-the-air updates and real-time data integration for optimized performance. STLA AutoDrive complies with applicable regulations in supported markets and requires drivers to remain seated, belted and ready to assume control when prompted. It also respects regional laws on driver conduct, including phone use restrictions. STLA AutoDrive is designed as an evolving platform, with ongoing research and future advancements potentially capable of unlocking: • Hands-Free and Eyes-Off operation at higher speeds, up to 95 km/h (59 mph). • Enhanced off-road automation for select models. With its focus on safety, flexibility and long-term adaptability, STLA AutoDrive represents Stellantis' next step toward more intelligent, comfortable and intuitive driving experiences. تم نسخ الرابط
South China Morning Post
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Leading carmaker reveals hands-free driving mode to let drivers do emails or other tasks
Major carmaker the Stellantis Group has revealed that it is developing its first in-house automated driving technology – STLA AutoDrive. Advertisement The system will allow a vehicle to be driven autonomously at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas and 95 km/h on motorways. STLA AutoDrive enables the driver to temporarily take their hands off the steering wheel, allowing them to watch a movie, catch up on emails or look out of the window. The driver will be able to activate the system via a physical button, then the vehicle will maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front, adjust its speed, and manage its steering and braking based on traffic flow. Ned Curic, Stellantis chief engineering and technology, said: 'Helping drivers make the best use of their time is priority. By handling routine driving tasks, STLA AutoDrive will enhance the driving experience, making time behind the wheel more efficient and enjoyable.'
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AutoDrive Previews an Eyes-Off Utopia as Seen by Stellantis
Stellantis previews SAE Level 3 system dubbed STLA AutoDrive, which will permit eyes-off, hands-off automated driving under some circumstances, and at speeds of up to 37 mph. The system, which the automaker says is ready for deployment, is only permitted in certain US states now and is not guaranteed to appear soon in Jeep, Dodge, Ram, or other Stellantis models. STLA AutoDrive is set to join a number of similar systems from Mercedes-Benz, Honda, BMW, and a few others—just one of which is offered stateside. Stellantis has revealed its SAE Level 3 driver-assistance system, dubbed STLA AutoDrive, joining a small club of automakers and autonomous tech developers with an eyes-off, hands-off system. And the automaker says it is ready for deployment in its vehicles. SAE Level 3 systems differ from more limited SAE Level 2 systems in that they do not require drivers to keep their eyes on the road, allowing them to watch movies on a tablet, text, or read behind the wheel—everything short of taking a nap. This distinguishes them from Tesla's Autopilot and FSD, which are Level 2 systems and require driver attention to the road at all times. "Ideal for commuters in dense urban areas, STLA AutoDrive will allow drivers to temporarily engage in non-driving tasks such as watching a movie, catching up on emails, reading a book, or simply looking out the window, reclaiming valuable time," the automaker says. Only a handful of automakers have fielded such systems, including Honda, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz—the latter being the only one to offer it in the US (albeit in just two states for now that permit them—California and parts of Nevada). State-by-state legislation currently does not permit an automaker to offer a Level 3 system in all 50 states. As with other SAE Level 3 systems, there are a few limitations at the moment: AutoDrive will work at speeds of up to 37 mph, but it can do so even at night and even in light rain. This makes it more of a traffic-jam assistance feature in practice, unless your entire commute happens in 25- or 35-mph zones. The system will also permit Level 3 operation in off-road settings in some models, Stellantis notes, hinting at Jeep's future receipt of AutoDrive, but hasn't committed to anything explicitly. "Helping drivers make the best use of their time is a priority," said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. "By handling routine driving tasks, STLA AutoDrive will enhance the driving experience, making time behind the wheel more efficient and enjoyable." The automaker says the system decides when and where it is safe and suitable for activation, and notifies the driver. Once the driver presses a physical button, STLA AutoDrive takes over, controlling speed, steering functions, and braking. The technology suite includes an automated sensor-cleaning system, which should keep dirt and water off important surfaces on the vehicle's exterior. The system will still operate in SAE Level 2 mode at higher speeds for now, such as on the freeway, requiring driver attention to the road and hands on the wheel. But over time, Stellantis says the vehicle speeds appropriate for SAE Level 3 will potentially be revised upward, reaching 59 mph by its estimates as a next step in its development. "The system is also cloud-connected, enabling continuous enhancements through over-the-air updates and real-time data integration for optimized performance," the automaker said. This will permit its use on the freeway, at least in the jurisdictions that allow Level 3 systems. Crucially, Stellantis does not say whether the system will recognize and react to traffic lights and stop signs, and the video demo only contemplates some kind of utopia without the usual buffet of suburban horrors and annoyances, or even intersections or roundabouts. So despite saying that AutoDrive is "ideal for commuters in dense urban areas," the automaker's demo video does not really show any of those settings, or offer details about its operation in complex environments. And there are still a few caveats and unknowns when it comes to the actual commercial rollout of this technology. For starters, Stellantis hasn't mentioned whether any of its US models will receive the SAE Level 3 systems or in what timeframe, only hinting at its future availability in the new Wagoneer S EV. Additionally, Stellantis hasn't mentioned just where it intends to offer this system, given the fragmented regulatory landscape of Level 3, raising the possibility that it could debut in Europe first and then perhaps make its way to the US. Stellantis' comments regarding the system were not market-specific. The automaker hasn't explicitly committed to offering this system in the US, only mentioning "a smooth rollout as commercial strategies align with market demand." The target price of such a system, whether as a one-time purchase or a subscription, remains unmentioned as well, though this is certainly an issue to be determined once everything else is in place, including the regulatory landscape. Ultimately, the floodgates of Level 3 will only open in the US when a single federal standard is implemented, so for now Stellantis joins a group of automakers with SAE Level 3 but without a strong business case for the US market. Should Level 3 systems with eyes-off, hands-off flexibility be permitted in all US states, or should this tech be treated with greater caution? Please comment below.
USA Today
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
New Stellantis self-driving system would let you watch movies. What you need to know.
AI-assisted summary Stellantis says its AutoDrive system would let users do non-driving tasks behind the wheel. The system is designed for speeds up to 37 mph. Safety advocates are advising drivers who might choose to use the system to be aware of potential liability issues. Stellantis developed a hands-free, eyes-off driving system for speeds up to 37 mph, but will not release it to the market at this time. The system, called STLA AutoDrive 1.0, is designed for stop-and-go traffic and would allow drivers to watch movies or engage in other non-driving activities. Safety advocates warn that drivers may become too reliant on these systems and be unprepared to take control in an emergency. Concerns remain about the liability of drivers and automakers in the event of a crash while using these systems. Stellantis says its new hands-free and eyes-off the road driving system would let users temporarily watch movies and engage in other non-driving tasks at lower speeds, a possibility that prompted warnings from some safety advocates. The company, however, said it has decided not to make the system available right now. The system, designed for use at speeds up to 37 mph, would be geared toward conditions such as stop-and-go traffic during commutes, according to a company news release Thursday morning, that said it could be adapted for global markets across Stellantis-branded vehicles Although it wasn't initially clear how soon the company, owner of the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands, might make the system available, a spokesperson indicated Thursday that STLA AutoDrive 1.0 would not be launched at this time. It's the company's first 'in-house-developed automated driving system.' "Our Level 3 technology is fully developed and ready for deployment, but the current market for autonomous driving at this level remains very limited. We have made the strategic decision not to launch it at this time. Once the market matures and conditions become more favorable, we will evaluate the path to commercialization," according to a company statement provided by spokesman Frank Matyok. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Level 3 refers to a 0 to 5 classification system for driving automation. The company's initial news release frames the system as an answer to time-wasting commutes: 'Ideal for commuters in dense urban areas, STLA AutoDrive will allow drivers to temporarily engage in non-driving tasks such as watching a movie, catching up on emails, reading a book or simply looking out the window, reclaiming valuable time.' The system, according to the release, notifies drivers when the time is right. 'When traffic and system conditions are right on a highway in a traffic jam and with good visibility, simply press a button and let STLA AutoDrive take charge,' according to the narrator in a video posted on the company's corporate website. The system is supposed to maintain safe distances, adjust its speed and 'manage steering and braking seamlessly based on traffic flow,' the release said, noting that the 'system feels smooth, predictable and human-like in real-world conditions.' The announcement also promises automated sensor cleaning and notes that the system "continuously monitors its surroundings through an advanced suite of sensors to ensure high-precision awareness and reliable operation, even at night or in challenging weather conditions such as light rain or road spray." Future over-the-air updates could potentially offer 'hands-free and eyes-off' operation at speeds of up to 59 mph as well as off-road automation. It's designed currently to provide lower levels of driver assistance functions, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering and hands-off the steering wheel options, at higher speeds. 'Helping drivers make the best use of their time is a priority,' Ned Curic, Stellantis chief engineering and technology officer, said in the release. 'By handling routine driving tasks, STLA AutoDrive will enhance the driving experience, making time behind the wheel more efficient and enjoyable.' More:Volvo plans for 2025 with its new Tesla Model S rival If the system is ultimately deployed on Stellantis vehicles, it would appear to be a leap above what most other automakers currently offer. Asked if he knew of any other systems currently promoting "eyes-off" technology, Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry Insights, pointed to only one in this country: "Currently in the U.S. market, the only option is the Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system on the S-class and EQS. In Europe, BMW offers a similar system on the 7 series, and back in 2021, Honda built a limited run of the Legend sedan (formerly sold here as Acura RLX) with an L3 eyes-off system." Mercedes-Benz notes on a company website that "Drive Pilot is certified to perform on major freeways in California and parts of Nevada." Warnings about relying on self-driving systems The abilities of advanced driver assistance and so-called self-driving systems have been highly promoted in recent years, but they haven't come without issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration upgraded an investigation into Ford Motor Co.'s BlueCruise system earlier this year connected to "two fatal crashes involving all-electric Mustang Mach-E vehicles when the technology was in use," according to earlier Free Press reporting. Tesla's Autopilot and General Motors' former Cruise self-driving subsidiary have also dealt with highly publicized crashes. Abuelsamid advised drivers who might choose to use AutoDrive to beware. "Consumers should not even consider using such a system unless the automaker accepts liability for when things go wrong (because they will). Mercedes accepts liability if a crash happens while using Drive Pilot, and I believe BMW does as well. Tesla does not accept liability when using FSD (Full Self-Driving), putting it all on the driver," Abuelsamid said. "I would not even consider using an eyes-off system unless the manufacturer is responsible when it goes wrong." Michael Brooks, executive director of the advocacy group Center for Auto Safety, said he envisions the same safety issues with AutoDrive that have so far plagued supervised vehicle autonomy. "When a crash is imminent or the computer inevitably experiences a failure, drivers who have bought into the 'eyes-free, hands-free' marketing and used these features to the point of reliance will not be sufficiently engaged in vehicle operation to avoid crashes," Brooks said. "Marketing automated systems that rely on human supervision as 'hands-free' and 'eyes-off' is problematic and gives buyers more confidence in the technology than they should have, contributing to this complacency. Driver-monitoring systems designed to prevent this disengagement are all over the map in terms of current effectiveness." He also echoed Abuelsamid's concerns about liability, noting that the system's features are for convenience rather than to guarantee a safer trip. "That convenience factor evaporates rather quickly when you realize that a driver's legal responsibilities don't go away at the click of a button, and that you are ceding control of your future personal civil and criminal liability to a computer whenever these features are operational," he said. The Free Press had asked spokespeople for Stellantis if the company would accept liability in the event of a crash when AutoDrive is in use. The statement provided by Matyok referenced the company's approach on liability and other issues: "As with any deployment, regulatory frameworks and legal considerations play a key role, including liability. Our system is designed to operate within clearly defined conditions, where the vehicle takes control, and we will align with the applicable laws in each market when the technology is introduced." A message seeking comment was also sent to spokespeople for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@
