When my wife and I were shopping for a new minivan last year, one of the requirements was to find something a bit more comfortable for long-distance driving. I don't mean soft seats and 50 cupholders-as someone who appreciates a well-executed driver-assist system, I was set on finding a vehicle that had not only lane-keeping but lane-centering for that extra... extra. In case you didn't know, though, vans aren't exactly the epicenter of cutting edge technology, unless a built-in vacuum satisfies your definition of tech.
Alas, I came up empty. And like tens of thousands of dads every year I ended up with a Honda Odyssey in my driveway. But unlike most of those chumps, I can get a little extra help from technology when it comes to actually driving the thing. On the highway, at least.
That's because, in 2020, im608 review
. there's actually an aftermarket solution for upgrading your car's ADAS suite to offer true SAE Level 2 driving assistance capabilities-think Tesla's Autopilot, or Cadillac SuperCruise. Meet OpenPilot, an open-source autonomous driving project from a small, California-based startup called Comma AI.
With the stated goal of "solving self-driving cars," Comma sells a smartphone-sized device that interfaces with your car's existing sensors, augmenting whatever features-think lane keep assist, or radar cruise control-are offered by the factory setup. And the difference is truly astounding. You may think your car's lane-keeping system is pretty good, but unless you have one of the two factory Level 2 systems mentioned above, you haven't experienced the kind of polished, holistic solution that's on tap here.
More than 100 vehicles on the road today are supported as hosts for Comma's system, including my new Odyssey. It can't be overstated what a tipping point this is. Four years ago, the idea that you could buy a simple, plug-and-play aftermarket driver-assist setup that would work as well as or better than a factory system was laughable. Today, as more cars emerge from the factory wired up with endless sensors, monitoring systems and even cameras, ADAS looks more and more like an untapped area for the ever-present aftermarket to capitalize.
But does it all work like it's supposed to? After a year of hands-on experience with my OpenPilot-equipped Odyssey, it's time to talk about the good, the bad, and if it's worth upgrading your ride.
Before we dig in, here's a refresher on the SAE levels of vehicle autonomy so you understand just where OpenPilot falls on the self-driving spectrum. It helps to set your expectations as a driver, and understand where not to get too comfortable.
So, everything Comma makes today is SAE Level 2 capable, meaning the driver can expect OpenPilot to support their driving, but not take over in a sense where they can divert their attention from the road. Just like Tesla's Autopilot...officially speaking. OpenPilot will provide the steering, acceleration, and braking instructions to the vehicle and supplement any radar-based cruise control or lane-keeping already installed from the factory.
OpenPilot also makes driver monitoring mandatory, meaning that it will know whether or not you're paying attention to the road. Its cabin-facing camera uses facial recognition to detect a driver's eyes and will intervene should a driver begin to drift off to sleep or look at their phone.
What OpenPilot does not do: Make your vehicle a "self-driving car." There is a difference between a car being able to control itself in limited situations while you're still paying attention, and a car that can safely whisk you anywhere in the country while you nap in the backseat. This is the former, not the latter.
And just as a quick refresher, because it's always good to do so: you do not own a self-driving car. This won't change that.
A cool $999 is your cost to enter the world of what comma calls "chill" driving. That price buys you a Comma Two, which is a cleverly disguised Android smartphone fitted with some sensors, thermal management, and a custom 3D-printed case to package the whole deal into a small, convenient appliance. A separate $200 wiring harness is required to interface...

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