Flowpilot is an open-source autonomous driving assistance system. It can run on Android system.
All you need to do is run Flowpilot on a regular smartphone, then connect it to your vehicle’s OBD-II port via the Panda hardware, and connect it to your phone.
In this way, the mobile phone can be used to drive the vehicle for automatic assisted driving.
More than 200 models are supported, including Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Chrysler, Lexus, Acura, Audi, Volkswagen, etc.
Demo video for a used Redmi Note 9 Pro running Flowpilot for assisted driving of the Alto K10 car!
What Flowpilot can do:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Allows the vehicle to automatically adjust its speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, eliminating the need for the driver to manually control the throttle or brakes.
- Automatic Lane Centering: Helps the vehicle stay centered in its lane, correcting the vehicle’s position by automatically adjusting the steering wheel.
- Forward Collision Warning: If the system detects a risk of a collision ahead, it issues a warning to alert the driver to take action.
- Lane Departure Warning: When a vehicle inadvertently deviates from its lane, the system issues a warning to remind the driver to adjust the vehicle’s direction.
- Driver Monitoring: Monitor driver attention and fatigue levels to ensure they remain focused while using driver-assistance features.
Working principle:
Flowpilot is an open-source driver assistance system based on Openpilot that runs on devices running Linux, Windows, and Android.
Flowpilot logs road cameras, CAN, GPS, IMU, magnetometers, temperature sensors, crashes, and operating system logs. The driver’s camera-facing data is recorded only when the user explicitly chooses.
Hardware requirements
Compatible Vehicles: A vehicle compatible with Flowpilot is required, which usually means that the vehicle already has some adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist features.
Dedicated Hardware: The Panda device mentioned in the Flowpilot project, which is a piece of hardware that connects to the vehicle’s OBD-II port to read the vehicle’s CAN data.
Mobile or other device: A device running the Flowpilot software, such as a smartphone.
Installation and configuration
Example: Installing and using Flowpilot in a compatible vehicle
Let’s say you have a compatible car (like a Honda with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist) and you want to use “Flowpilot” on that car to enhance driver assistance features.
Step 1: Prepare the hardware
Buy a Panda device: This is a small hardware device that connects to the vehicle’s OBD-II port and reads the vehicle’s data.
Prepare your phone: Make sure your phone is running the “Flowpilot” app.
Step 2: Install the hardware
Connect the Panda Device: Plug the Panda device into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, usually located under the dashboard under the driver’s seat.
Connect your phone: Connect your panda device to your phone using a USB cable.
Step 3: Install the software
Download and install Flowpilot: Download and install the Flowpilot app on your phone.
Step 4: Configure and calibrate
Open the app: Open the Flowpilot app on your phone.
Configure it: Configure and calibrate the system as instructed by the app to ensure it reads vehicle data correctly.
Step 5: Use Flowpilot
Use while driving: When you’re driving, Flowpilot will provide real-time driver assistance information like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control prompts through your phone screen.
Driver monitoring: Even with Flowpilot, as a driver, you need to keep an eye on the road and be prepared to take over vehicle control if necessary.
Warning ⚠️
This software is a test version and is for research purposes only and is not a product. Users are responsible for complying with local laws and regulations.
This project provides a platform for technology enthusiasts and developers to explore and experiment with OpenPilot-based driver assistance systems.