What is openpilot?
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:
How does openpilot work?
openpilot works by connecting to your car's CAN network. Most modern cars accept electronic steering, gas, and brake commands to allow for ADAS features. openpilot can use these commands to provide much better ADAS features than the car manufacturers can provide.
Is my car compatible with openpilot?
A complete list of compatible vehicles can be found on our Compatibility page.
What should I buy to run openpilot in my car?
After verifying that your car is compatible, we recommend purchasing a comma device in our shop. Don't forget to purchase a car harness to connect it to your vehicle. Add to cart, check out, and you’re good to go!
Do I have to pay attention?
Yes, the driver must always be able to immediately retake manual control of the vehicle, by stepping on the brake 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.
What is the openpilot safety model?
More info about the openpilot safety model can be found here.
What are the limitations of openpilot Automated Lane Centering?
openpilot Automated Lane Centering (ALC) system does not automatically drive the vehicle or reduce the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in front of the vehicle. The driver must always keep control of the steering wheel and be ready to correct the ALC system action at all times.
Many factors can impact the performance of openpilot ALC, causing it to be unable to function as intended. These include, but are not limited to:
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.
What are the limitations of openpilot Adaptive Cruise Control?
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:
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.
Do I retain my car factory safety features with openpilot installed?
When openpilot is enabled in settings, Lane Keep Assist (LKAS), and Automated Lane Centering (ALC) are replaced by openpilot lateral control and only function when openpilot is engaged. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) works whether engaged or disengaged.
On certain cars, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is replaced by openpilot longitudinal control.
openpilot preserves any other vehicle safety features, including, but are not limited to: AEB, auto high-beam, blind spot warning, and side collision warning.
Does openpilot support manual transmission cars (with the driver shifting)?
On certain cars, manual transmissions are supported if they have the packages listed in the compatibility table. If you’d like to learn more, join us on Discord, where some of our members are supporting manual cars.
How does openpilot recognize the car model it is connected to?
If your car is on the list of supported cars, openpilot will automatically recognize the model of your car by performing a scan of relevant ECU firmware versions present in your car. The presence of certain ECU firmware versions is an indication of the model year, car brand, car model, and trim.
If your car isn’t recognized as supported, your device will fall back to a dashcam only mode, preserving the stock functionalities and the user will receive a notification on the screen.
How do I update openpilot?
All software updates are received over-the-air (OTA). openpilot will automatically check for updates when connected to the internet. Your device will notify you on the screen when an update is available and prompt you to reboot the device to complete the update.You may also manually check for updates in the settings, under the "software" tab.
Will all versions of openpilot work with my comma device?
The comma 3X can only run openpilot 0.9.4 and above. Running earlier versions requires making modifications to the software so that a newer AGNOS is installed.
If you face issues after installing an older version of openpilot, you can re-flash AGNOS on your device by following the instructions at flash.comma.ai.
Does openpilot work at all speeds?
Supported speeds vary depending on the car. Please reference the supported car list for vehicle specific speed limitations. Maximum speed is the same as the maximum speed that stock ACC can be set to (car dependent) with a hard limit at ~92mph.
Does openpilot work outside of the United States of America?
Yes, openpilot is not region locked and can be used in any country. You are responsible for complying with local laws and regulations.
What is a fingerprint?
A fingerprint is the method openpilot uses to determine which vehicle it is connected to.
Current methods use vehicle ECU firmware logging. openpilot will fingerprint the vehicle on each start up.
If openpilot detects a firmware version not previously logged, it will need to be added to the codebase. Guides on adding new firmware can be found here.
Where is my dongle ID?
The dongle ID of your device can be found in Settings of the device in the Device tab.
How do I leave feedback for openpilot?
Feedback, good or bad, can be given in the #openpilot-experience channel on our community Discord.
Have a question or want to learn more? There are thousands of knowledgeable community members on the Discord; most car makes have a dedicated channel!
Check out the code behind openpilot and learn how to add support for your own car. Review, fork, and contribute to the open source ecosystem.