How General Motors is simulating its way to autonomous driving

Here, GM is testing a human driver's response in vehicles just as much as it's testing the vehicle tech itself.

That simulation is how GM -- and other automakers -- are testing future iterations of their advanced driver assistance systems.

Automakers with the best tech will get more consumers to subscribe to those capabilities, making automated driving a lucrative play for the industry.

Other automakers racing to advanced technology Hands-off technology is being deployed by many automakers today; Ford's BlueCruise is among the more notable examples.

Far smaller rollouts of sophisticated light-duty driving systems from various auto companies have been available in limited markets in recent years, but have been discontinued.