General Motors Unveils Patent for Road Condition Monitoring System
America’s road infrastructure has long been a topic of concern, with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces creating challenges for drivers across the country. While maintaining roads is a complex task, General Motors (GM) has taken a step toward addressing this issue by filing a patent for a system that could alert drivers to deteriorating road conditions before they even notice them.
The patent, which was initially submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office on December 15, 2023, was only made public on June 19, 2025, under the number US 2025/0200526 A1. This innovation highlights GM’s commitment to improving driver safety and reducing vehicle damage caused by poor road conditions.
How the System Works
The proposed system would use sensors and cameras installed in vehicles to collect real-time data about road conditions. Information such as suspension displacement, wheel rotation, and vibration would be gathered as cars drive along the roads. These cameras would also detect imperfections like potholes or standing water, allowing the system to identify potential hazards.
Once collected, the data would be sent to the cloud via telematics and GPS systems. From there, the system would calculate a Road Maintenance Score, which reflects the condition of the road. If the score falls below a certain threshold, the information could be shared with local authorities, prompting immediate action to repair the road.
Benefits for Drivers
In addition to alerting officials, the system could also provide drivers with alternative routes through their in-car navigation systems if it detects damaged pavement on their planned path. This feature could help reduce the risk of vehicle damage and improve overall driving experiences.
It’s worth noting that this technology could work seamlessly with GM’s Super Cruise system, which already has mapping data for over 750,000 miles of roads in the US and Canada. This integration could enhance the functionality of both systems, offering drivers more accurate and timely information.
Broader Implications for Infrastructure
The importance of road maintenance is underscored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), which recently gave America’s infrastructure a “C” grade. This rating considers factors such as bridges, dams, and roads, and it represents an improvement from previous assessments. The ASCE attributed this progress to the $1-trillion infrastructure investment passed under former President Biden in 2021.
Darren Olson, chair of the ASCE’s report, emphasized that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. “By investing in our infrastructure, we’re making our economy more efficient, we’re making it stronger, and we’re making ourselves globally more competitive,” he said.
Other Innovations from GM
This road deterioration monitoring system is just one of several patents filed by GM aimed at enhancing driver safety and comfort. Earlier this year, the company submitted a patent for a “Vehicle Occupant Mental Wellbeing Assessment and Countermeasure Deployment” system, designed to reduce road rage. Another patent from 2023 focused on reducing headlight glare using an augmented-reality, auto-dimming windshield.
Although these inventions have not yet received official patents, they represent GM’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of automotive technology. While the final implementation of these ideas remains uncertain, the potential benefits for drivers and road maintenance agencies are significant.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, innovations like these could play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation. Whether through improved safety features or smarter infrastructure management, companies like GM are paving the way for a more connected and efficient driving experience.
