FAQ

• What is openpilot?

  • openpilot neo 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:

    1. The driver must always be capable to immediately retake manual control of the vehicle, by stepping on either pedal or by pressing the cancel button.
    2. The vehicle must not alter its trajectory too quickly for the driver to safely react. This means that while the system is engaged, the actuators are constrained to operate within reasonable limits.
• 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.

• How much does it cost to ship in the UnitedStates?

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• Is my car compatible with openpilot?

  • A complete list of compatible vehicles can be found on ourCompatibility page.

• What should I buy to run openpilot in my car?

  • Once you've confirmed your vehicle's compatibility and purchased OpenPilot Neo, we'll provide you with a free wiring harness to connect your car and OpenPilot Neo. Simply connect it to your vehicle.
    

• 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 foundhere.

• 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:

    • Poor visibility (heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.) or weather conditions are interfering with sensor operation.
    • The road facing camera is obstructed, covered or damaged by mud, ice, snow, etc.
    • Obstruction caused by applying excessive paint or adhesive products (such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.) onto the vehicle.
    • The device is mounted incorrectly.
    • When in sharp curves, like on-off ramps, intersections etc...; openpilot is designed to be limited in the amount of steering torque it can produce.
    • In the presence of restricted lanes or construction zones.
    • When driving on highly banked roads or in presence of strong cross-wind.
    • Extremely hot or cold temperatures.
    • Bright light (due to oncoming headlights, direct sunlight, etc.)
    • Driving on hills, narrow, or winding roads.

    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.

• How much does it cost to ship in the UnitedStates?

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• 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:

    • Poor visibility (heavy rain, snow, fog, etc.) or weather conditions are interfering with sensor operation.
    • The road facing camera or radar are obstructed, covered, or damaged by mud, ice, snow, etc.
    • Obstruction caused by applying excessive paint or adhesive products (such as wraps, stickers, rubber coating, etc.) onto the vehicle.
    • The device is mounted incorrectly.
    • Approaching a toll booth.
    • When driving on roads with pedestrians, cyclists, etc...
    • In presence of traffic signs or stop lights, which are not detected by openpilot at this time.
    • When the posted speed limit is below the user selected set speed. openpilot does not detect speed limits at this time.
    • In presence of vehicles in the same lane that are not moving.
    • When abrupt braking maneuvers are required. openpilot is designed to be limited in the amount of deceleration and acceleration that it can produce.
    • When surrounding vehicles perform close cut-ins from neighbor lanes.
    • Driving on hills, narrow, or winding roads.
    • Extremely hot or cold temperatures.
    • Bright light (due to oncoming headlights, direct sunlight, etc.)
    • Interference from other equipment that generates ultrasonic waves.

    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 onDiscord, 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.

• Will all versions of openpilot work with my openpilot neo device?

  • The openpilot neo 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.

• 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 in my country?

  • 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.

• Will my car loose guarantee if i install openpilot neo?

  • You do not loose guarantee, unless your car dealer knows that you have connected the kit to a car. There is no way any dealer can tell whether you had the kit installed previously on your car.
    
    

• Can i use parts bought from openpilot neo shop with my Comma Ai hardware?

  • Yes. All of the hardware parts that we sell are compatible with the official hardware sold by Comma, they work exactly the same as Comma ai parts.
    
    

• Is the device safe?

  • There is nothing unsafe about the device being installed in your car. While the system is engaged, you should pay attention and react when it’s required.
    
    

• Does installing require permanent modifications to a car?

  • No, the installation process is straight forward and doesn’t require cutting the cables in your car, check ourinstallation guide.
    
    

• What if the steering wheel will turn where It not supposed to go?

  • The steering wheel is soft in touch when the software is engaged, you can move it freely while you drive.