Stellantis introduced its first proprietary autonomous driving system, STLA AutoDrive 1.0, marking its official entry into the self-driving technology market.
The newly unveiled system offers advanced capabilities, enabling stable driving even in adverse weather conditions and allowing drivers to engage in other activities, such as watching movies on the road.
From Hands-Free to Eye-Off: Level 3 Autonomous Driving Innovations
Stellantis’s technological strategy centers on the STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system, STLA Brain, and STLA Smart Cockpit.
The system is equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving technology, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and utilizes the Eye-Off feature, enabling them to remove their eyes from the road temporarily.
In urban traffic congestion, drivers can engage in non-driving activities such as watching movies, checking emails, reading, or observing their surroundings, making travel time more efficient.
At higher speeds, the system provides Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistance under Level 2 (hands on the wheel) and Level 2+ (hands off but eyes on the road) modes.
Advanced Sensors for All-Weather Performance
A key feature of STLA AutoDrive 1.0 is its advanced sensor system, which monitors the vehicle’s surroundings and accurately detects conditions even in low visibility or harsh weather.
The system also includes an automatic sensor cleaning function, ensuring consistent reliability and performance by keeping critical sensor components debris-free.
For ease of use, the system detects suitable traffic and weather conditions for autonomous driving and notifies the driver when activation is possible. It can be easily engaged via a physical button.
Once activated, the system automatically manages safe following distances, speed adjustments, lane changes, and braking, providing a seamless driving experience.
Scalability and Future Expansion
Stellantis supports continuous performance enhancements through cloud connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring real-time data integration and system improvements.
The system’s scalable architecture allows it to adapt to global market requirements and accommodate future technological upgrades and expansions.
Stellantis is also working to extend Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities to speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph) and is exploring expansion into off-road autonomous driving applications.
Ned Curic, Stellantis’s chief Engineering and Technology Officer (CTO), stated that our priority is to enhance driver efficiency and comfort. STLA AutoDrive will take over repetitive driving tasks, allowing drivers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
