Following the release of a robust financial report, General Motors (GM) showcased its technological prowess by launching several new products, including the "eyes-off" autonomous driving feature, a conversational AI system developed with Google (GOOG, GOOGL) technology, and a device named "cobot" that will assist in assembling future vehicles.

During an event in New York City, GM announced plans to integrate the "eyes-off" functionality into its existing Super Cruise hands-free driving software. This upgrade is expected to significantly enhance convenience and safety.

Sterling Anderson, GM's Chief Product Officer, revealed that 23 models currently feature the Super Cruise system. The upgraded hands-free version of Super Cruise will initially be applied to highway driving scenarios, with plans to gradually extend its capabilities to urban roads, ultimately enabling vehicles to autonomously complete errands such as short-distance deliveries or personal tasks.

Anderson stated, "This function will allow consumers to reclaim valuable time... it will change the way people live."

While adding the "eyes-off" feature is a relatively straightforward upgrade, advancing the system to Level 3 autonomy represents a more significant breakthrough. Level 3 autonomy means the vehicle can handle most driving tasks independently, requiring human intervention only when necessary. GM previously disclosed that it is collaborating with Nvidia (NVDA) to provide technical support for its upcoming Level 3 autonomous driving products.

GM confirmed that the "eyes-off" version of Super Cruise will first be available on the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ electric vehicle before being rolled out to other models.

During the event, GM's CEO Mary Barra remarked, "The rollout of this feature will be much faster than that of the (regular) Super Cruise."

GM had earlier operated the Cruise autonomous taxi service but ceased it due to high costs and uncertainties associated with scaling. The company indicated that it is now applying its Cruise project's software technology and experience to new product development, focusing on personal autonomous driving rather than commercial applications.

Another major announcement from GM centered on its in-vehicle AI system. Dave Richardson, GM's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, indicated that starting in 2026, GM vehicles will be equipped with "conversational AI powered by Google Gemini," enabling users to interact with their vehicle via voice commands for task control, route suggestions, and assistance with activities such as interview preparations.

Richardson, who previously worked at Apple (AAPL), emphasized that this technology integration will "allow for more natural conversational interactions while driving, providing users with practical suggestions."

GM further stated that it will develop its proprietary AI products independent of Gemini. This next-generation in-vehicle AI will be "customized for vehicles," optimized according to vehicle performance and individual driver preferences, and will leverage the OnStar system for connectivity.

The company asserted that the future AI product could encompass various functionalities, such as alerting drivers to vehicle faults and rerouting to service centers, or guiding drivers on how to operate specific features (like single-pedal driving mode) while on the road.

Additionally, GM announced that its upcoming electric vehicles will feature bidirectional charging capabilities—using the vehicle's large battery as a backup power source for homes, businesses, and the grid.

Currently, some of GM's electric models (like the electric Silverado) already possess bidirectional charging functionality, but the company is planning to launch a more comprehensive product lineup to support the installation and usage of charging facilities for residential and commercial applications.

Lastly, GM revealed that it is collaborating with its robotics technology center in Michigan to develop robots, referred to as "cobots." These robots will assist factory workers and are set to be deployed in GM's manufacturing facilities later this year.