Vehicles these days are more aware and responsive than ever due to the technology that’s in work to improve everyday use. One such example is the sensor-based power door a feature that may not seem out of the box at first glance, but one that reflects a big step forward in how vehicles respond to the world around them. For General Motors, an engineer has been at the centre of bringing this idea out of the lab and into the real world. Veera Venkata Adabala’s journey started during his college years, when he worked on using accelerometers to measure the impact of two-wheeler accidents. “This early exposure to sensor perception and response systems sparked a deep interest in the field,” he stated. Over time, that interest grew into a career focused on using gyrometers, accelerometers, and other sensor technologies to build smarter systems especially in the automotive space. In his role as Lead Software Developer, he led the development of a software system that uses accelerometer data to control the movement of power doors in high-end vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade ICE and EV. Adabala explained, “Traditionally, vehicle doors rely on mechanical checklinks that allow the door to hold only at predefined positions. In contrast, the accelerometer-based system I helped develop enables a “virtual checklink” allowing users to stop the door at any angle, where it holds its position intelligently using real-time orientation data and gravitational compensation.” But bringing this smart door system to life wasn’t as simple as adding a few sensors the real test came in making it work flawlessly in the messy, unpredictable conditions of the real world. According to the professional, one of the key challenges was making sure the system could handle such conditions. That meant compensating for gravity in real time using data from the vehicle’s orientation. The software had to adjust on the fly depending on whether the vehicle was parked on a hill, an incline, or a flat surface. It also had to deal with things like sensor noise, temperature changes, and vibrations, all while keeping the door stable and safe. It was a complex problem, but solving it made the doors more reliable and easier to use in everyday situations. The result was a door system that feels smoother to operate by about 20 to 30% according to internal tests and more reliable over time. Because there are no traditional mechanical parts wearing down, the doors require less maintenance. And importantly, they can react to changes in the environment, resisting sudden swings or unwanted movement. This adds not only convenience, but also a layer of safety for passengers. This innovation has now become a key feature in GM’s luxury vehicles and a strong example of how sensor-based systems can improve the driving experience in ways that feel intuitive and useful. Beyond luxury, these kinds of systems also make cars easier to use for children, older adults, or anyone who might struggle with heavier, manually controlled doors. The same is also discussed in the article, “Learn About the Power Open/Close Door Feature on the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ,” which highlights how users can open or close the doors hands-free, customize how wide they open, and rely on built-in sensors to stop movement if an obstacle is detected making the feature as safe as it is convenient. Looking ahead, the engineer believes this is just the beginning. As vehicles continue to get smarter, features like power doors, seats, and even driving controls will depend more on real-time sensor input. He agrees with other industry minds in seeing a future where gyrometers and accelerometers help not only with comfort, but also with helping vehicles navigate when GPS or cameras fall short. For now, the power door shows how thoughtful engineering can turn a research concept into a feature that people use every day without even thinking about it. It's a small part of the car, but it represents a bigger shift toward making vehicles more responsive, more adaptable, and ultimately, more human-friendly. This story was distributed as a release by Kashvi Pandey under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. This story was distributed as a release by Kashvi Pandey under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program.
