GM Research & Development
GM’s Research & Development team’s mission is to drive innovation for the benefit of its customers through the invention and commercialization of high-impact technologies.
Key Research Focus Areas
Led by GM’s Chief Technology Officer, the R&D organization enables and accelerates the development and commercialization of advanced technology throughout GM’s portfolio of products and connected service offerings.
While the requirements and expectations of future mobility evolve, GM’s R&D team continues to play a significant role in helping to make our vision a reality of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.
Each year, GM researchers publish a variety of papers, each representing a new potential technological breakthrough or innovation spanning across key focus areas:
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GM’s R&D Throughout the Years
Celebrating 100 Years of Research and Development Innovation
By Matt Tsien
Throughout history, research and innovation have driven humanity forward in remarkable ways, allowing us to solve some of the world’s most vexing challenges and satisfying human curiosity along the way. The thrill of discovery and innovation is what propels us at General Motors, not just because we want to be “the first” or “the only,” but because we recognize that technology must continue to advance to improve individual lives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced firsthand the importance of ingenuity and innovation; companies and individuals alike relied on these traits to survive and thrive. While researchers continue to race to develop a vaccine for this deadly virus, brick-and-mortar businesses have discovered how to prosper online, influencers are throwing virtual events attracting millions, and companies like GM are retooling vehicle manufacturing facilities for mask and ventilator production.
Innovating to Change the World: The Robonaut 2 and Machines for the Salk Polio Vaccine
For the past 100 years, GM’s R&D team has played a decisive role in how our company acts with resilience, takes risks and leverages resources to drive meaningful change – even outside of our industry. Take the Centri-Filmer for example. This vaccine purifying machine was developed in the 1950s based on the R&D team’s bearing and balancing expertise. Ultimately, this technology enabled large-scale manufacturing of critical vaccines such as the Salk polio vaccine. In the early 2000s, our researchers worked closely with NASA scientists to develop Robonaut 2 for the International Space Station, as well as the RoboGlove which is capable of being used by our team members in manufacturing facilities.
Transforming Mobility Through Technology and Innovation
Of course, through the years our R&D team has also stayed true to its mission, developing transformative advanced vehicle technologies for our customers. Super Cruise1 gave drivers the ability to experience true hands-free driving on compatible highways. The CarbonPro composite pickup bed provided truck lovers with a compartment featuring unprecedented dent, scratch and corrosion resistance. And OnStar Proactive Alerts delivered customers advanced notice of potential vehicle problems, turning what was an unexpected and serious repair into routine maintenance.
And while we have 100 years of incredible history behind us, GM R&D remains focused on preparing for the next century of innovation. We clearly see the path toward an all-electric future for our company and for the industry. Our team’s pioneering work developing a 450-volt silver-zinc battery pack for the 1966 Electrovair II helped pave the way for the Chevrolet Volt, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and soon, the GMC HUMMER EV pickup and SUV, the Cadillac LYRIQ, and the Chevrolet Silverado electric pickup truck.
Through electrification, we see a cleaner, more sustainable planet. We see the advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning leading us to self-driving vehicles. And we see a safer world for all, powered by our ability to deploy our innovations at scale.
DISCLAIMERS:
1Even while using the Super Cruise driver assistance feature, always pay attention while driving and do not use a hand-held device. Visit cadillacsupercruise.com for compatible highways and more information. Requires active OnStar plan, active Wi-Fi Hotspot, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal
2Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle's owner's manual for more important feature limitations and information.
3Diagnostic capabilities vary by model and plan. Message and data rates may apply. Requires contact method on file and enrollment to receive alerts. Not all issues will deliver alerts. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
4Your actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age and how you use and maintain your vehicle.