Engineers rig ChatGPT to steer a real Toyota Corolla in test drive
A group of tech workers connected OpenAI's ChatGPT to the controls of a Toyota Corolla, letting the AI attempt driving maneuvers like turns in a real-world test. According to 404 Media, one participant named Mahns said the system could fail a turn on one attempt and then succeed on a similar or different turn shortly after, without being explicitly trained for it.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Mahns frames this as an early sign that large language models could extend beyond text and office-based tasks into physical-world control, though he explicitly stopped short of claiming it threatens established autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo. The demonstration suggests LLMs may show some generalizable reasoning that transfers to novel driving situations, but it remains an informal experiment rather than a validated safety or performance benchmark.
- Tech workers connected ChatGPT to control a real Toyota Corolla in an experimental test
- The AI reportedly improved on turns after failing them, hinting at emergent generalization
- A participant cautioned this doesn't mean LLMs will replace dedicated autonomous driving systems like Waymo
AZOOR Universal OBD2 Dashboard Mount — If you're inspired by tinkerers wiring LLMs into a Toyota Corolla, a solid dashboard phone/tablet mount is essential for running diagnostics, cameras, or control interfaces while experimenting. It keeps your device stable and visible during DIY autonomous driving hacks. A practical accessory for anyone getting into car-computer interfacing projects.”,
See AZOOR Universal OBD2 Dashboard Mount on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tech.slashdot.org, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “Tech Workers Made ChatGPT Drive a Toyota Corolla”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.