This is a possible way for some Self Driving capabilities for Slate

[Monkfruit]

I'm wondering if the DIY nature of Slate will allow for some type of self driving capabilities using Comma.AI and OpenPilot

openpilot is an open-source, semi-automated driving software by comma.ai, Inc. When paired with comma hardware, it replaces advanced driver-assistance systems in various cars. As of 2025, openpilot supports 325+ car models and has 10 000+ users, accumulating over 100 million miles (160,000,000 km).

https://comma.ai/vehicles

Not for everyone but I think some tinkerers will like making this happen.

 

[RichEmp]

you would need adaptive cruise control and lane centering at the veery least for comma.ai.

 

[phidauex]

Doesn't OpenPilot rely on the vehicle's included ADAS systems, both hardware (motorized steering racks, radar, cameras, etc.) and software? IE, it takes over the commands for those existing systems, rather than replacing the systems. If so, that would prevent it from working on something like the Slate. But maybe there are more aftermarket elements that I'm not aware of.

 

[beatle]

I think it would be a stretch without some kind of built in ADAS, even a rudimentary one, but it might not be impossible.

I think at most, Openpilot could get you some level of adaptive cruise since it would effectively just take over the throttle control which is "easy," but it wouldn't guarantee to have the ability to brake any harder than regen. AEB technically isn't a hard requirement yet in the US, not until 2029. The Slate may intentionally not include it to save money, especially on early trucks. Once you have AEB though, you could technically control the friction brakes with electronics and have a bigger range for Openpilot.

I'm not sure if the power steering motor has the strength to turn the wheel on its own, or if it can be controlled at all for automatic steering. It may require a harness change.

Maybe not a lost cause, but I think it would require more development than most, and may still have less functionality initially, but I don't think the answer is a hard no.

 

[metroshot]

Costs would be expensive to upgrade the Slate with added cameras, lane centering, radar and brake/throttle/steering motor controls.

My Ford has a pretty good system called BlueCruise.

I use it on long distance driving - saves a lot of driver workload and arrives to the destination relaxed.

Last time I didn't notice my charge was not full and while it was on BlueCruise & navigation, it rerouted my drive off the highway and to a fast charger that I never knew existed for a quick 10 minute charge.

Ford BlueCruise 1.5 in Mach E

 

[Sparkie]

I'm wondering if the DIY nature of Slate will allow for some type of self driving capabilities using Comma.AI and OpenPilot

openpilot is an open-source, semi-automated driving software by comma.ai, Inc. When paired with comma hardware, it replaces advanced driver-assistance systems in various cars. As of 2025, openpilot supports 325+ car models and has 10 000+ users, accumulating over 100 million miles (160,000,000 km).

https://comma.ai/vehicles

Not for everyone but I think some tinkerers will like making this happen.

Yeah, it's not for me.
Actually, I enjoy driving -- from quick grocery runs to cross-country road trips.

 

[Johnny5]

It seems like another vehicle might be better to start with a self driving project. That's just a gang of hardware to add.

 

[beatle]

Openpilot includes the ADAS camera/brain and uses the existing controls to drive the car. I think they have camera-only branches that don't require radar integration. You can even install Openpilot hardware on a vehicle with BlueCruise, though I've found BC to be pretty good now.

I like driving and road trips more than the average bear, but having a good ADAS system to soak up boring highway or stop and go miles is pretty nice. I don't blame Slate for not including this in the truck though. Good ADAS are complex and expensive, bad ones are worse than nothing at all.

 

[Johnologue]

AEB technically isn't a hard requirement yet in the US, not until 2029. The Slate may intentionally not include it to save money, especially on early trucks.

Slate's specs identify AEB on the feature list.

I do think that, if someone wants to do their own self-driving or AI experiments or whatever, the Slate is a much better starting point than a vehicle that already has self-driving and such built-in, since it wouldn't require defeating or bypassing the existing system.

Automakers wouldn't want people overriding their software-defined vehicles. They might "pirate" the extra 20 horsepower instead of paying the subscription, or turn off tracking!

I mean, safety and privacy.