By Stephen Harber, content strategist, GM talent marketing
By Stephen Harber, content strategist, GM talent marketing
Vitaliy Liptchinsky, an artificial intelligence software engineering expert, is helping GM chart a course toward truly intelligent mobility and autonomously driven vehicles.
With a background in distributed systems and a passion for solving hard problems, Liptchinsky helps GM imagine what’s possible in self-driving tech. As an AI software leader at GM, he’s helping to shape how autonomous vehicles learn, adapt, and drive themselves.
In this interview, Liptchinsky shares some thoughts on the thrill of building the future, the power of real-world data, and why the best ideas start where structure meets imagination.
Vitaliy, where did your journey to GM start?
My career has been anchored at the intersection of mathematics, distributed systems, and artificial intelligence. I earned a Ph.D. in distributed systems from the Vienna University of Technology, in Austria, following a master's degree in applied mathematics from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, in Ukraine.
Over the years, I’ve worked on the development of foundational technologies, from storage systems, blockchain infrastructure, and large-scale AI infrastructure, to cutting-edge natural language processing and speech recognition systems. I joined the company in April 2024, after working in AI at Meta and Microsoft, among other places.
Why did you choose to join GM?
What drew me to General Motors was the rare convergence of three elements I consider essential for meaningful impact: a very interesting technical challenge in autonomous driving; the scale and resources necessary to solve it; and a team of world-class talent deeply committed to innovation.
GM presented a unique opportunity to apply my experience to one of the most transformative areas in technology today.
What makes you interested in automotive technology?
Vehicles have access to vast real-world data at scale. This data, when combined with cutting-edge AI, creates an unparalleled platform for breakthrough innovation. Being part of that evolution is both intellectually rewarding and socially meaningful.
Why is the convergence of auto and AI so meaningful right now?
Embodied AI — AI systems that interact with the physical world — is the area where the next big disruption will happen. In particular, autonomous driving represents one of the most demanding and impactful applications of AI, with the potential to redefine safety, mobility, and quality of life for millions.
What’s your biggest achievement at GM so far?
One of the most impactful milestones has been leading our strategic pivot toward more scalable technology and model architecture. This approach fundamentally redefines how we build and scale self-driving technology, making it more robust, adaptable, and data-driven. It positions us at the forefront of the next generation of AV capabilities.
What are your goals for the next few years at GM?
I lead the offboard AI organization, responsible for developing foundational end-to-end self-driving technology. Our focus is on shipping true hands-off driving under specific conditions.
My goal is not just to ship a product, but to help GM establish long-term technical leadership in this space, while building a culture of innovation that scales with the company’s ambition.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at GM?
We're solving one of the most complex technical challenges of our time — building safe, reliable autonomous driving systems at scale. There’s no established playbook, which means we need to combine first-principles thinking with bold experimentation, and we’re doing it in the safest way possible.
How are you overcoming this challenge?
The advantage we have is a phenomenal team. GM is unifying its autonomous vehicle strategy by combining Super Cruise with Cruise’s technology, teams, and tools. I couldn’t wish for a better team.
How does GM stay ahead in innovation?
Two words: data and talent.
GM has the broadest vehicle portfolio in North America, giving us unparalleled access to real-world driving data — a key ingredient for data-centric AI. We’re doubling down on recent advances in AI and AV technology that scale with data.
And we have the people to make it happen. The caliber of technical talent and the depth of our cross-functional teams — from hardware to AI — create a unique environment where breakthrough innovation is not only possible but expected.
What role will GM play in the future of mobility?
GM is poised to lead. With a clear vision, bold investment in transformative technology, and a deep commitment to sustainability and safety, we’re building the blueprint for the future of mobility.
Thanks, Vitaliy!
Stephen Harber is a content strategist and writer with GM’s talent marketing team. Comments and questions: news@gm.com.
Vitaliy Liptchinsky, an artificial intelligence software engineering expert, is helping GM chart a course toward truly intelligent mobility and autonomously driven vehicles.
With a background in distributed systems and a passion for solving hard problems, Liptchinsky helps GM imagine what’s possible in self-driving tech. As an AI software leader at GM, he’s helping to shape how autonomous vehicles learn, adapt, and drive themselves.
In this interview, Liptchinsky shares some thoughts on the thrill of building the future, the power of real-world data, and why the best ideas start where structure meets imagination.
Vitaliy, where did your journey to GM start?
My career has been anchored at the intersection of mathematics, distributed systems, and artificial intelligence. I earned a Ph.D. in distributed systems from the Vienna University of Technology, in Austria, following a master's degree in applied mathematics from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, in Ukraine.
Over the years, I’ve worked on the development of foundational technologies, from storage systems, blockchain infrastructure, and large-scale AI infrastructure, to cutting-edge natural language processing and speech recognition systems. I joined the company in April 2024, after working in AI at Meta and Microsoft, among other places.
Why did you choose to join GM?
What drew me to General Motors was the rare convergence of three elements I consider essential for meaningful impact: a very interesting technical challenge in autonomous driving; the scale and resources necessary to solve it; and a team of world-class talent deeply committed to innovation.
GM presented a unique opportunity to apply my experience to one of the most transformative areas in technology today.
What makes you interested in automotive technology?
Vehicles have access to vast real-world data at scale. This data, when combined with cutting-edge AI, creates an unparalleled platform for breakthrough innovation. Being part of that evolution is both intellectually rewarding and socially meaningful.
Why is the convergence of auto and AI so meaningful right now?
Embodied AI — AI systems that interact with the physical world — is the area where the next big disruption will happen. In particular, autonomous driving represents one of the most demanding and impactful applications of AI, with the potential to redefine safety, mobility, and quality of life for millions.
What’s your biggest achievement at GM so far?
One of the most impactful milestones has been leading our strategic pivot toward more scalable technology and model architecture. This approach fundamentally redefines how we build and scale self-driving technology, making it more robust, adaptable, and data-driven. It positions us at the forefront of the next generation of AV capabilities.
What are your goals for the next few years at GM?
I lead the offboard AI organization, responsible for developing foundational end-to-end self-driving technology. Our focus is on shipping true hands-off driving under specific conditions.
My goal is not just to ship a product, but to help GM establish long-term technical leadership in this space, while building a culture of innovation that scales with the company’s ambition.
What’s the biggest challenge you face at GM?
We're solving one of the most complex technical challenges of our time — building safe, reliable autonomous driving systems at scale. There’s no established playbook, which means we need to combine first-principles thinking with bold experimentation, and we’re doing it in the safest way possible.
How are you overcoming this challenge?
The advantage we have is a phenomenal team. GM is unifying its autonomous vehicle strategy by combining Super Cruise with Cruise’s technology, teams, and tools. I couldn’t wish for a better team.
How does GM stay ahead in innovation?
Two words: data and talent.
GM has the broadest vehicle portfolio in North America, giving us unparalleled access to real-world driving data — a key ingredient for data-centric AI. We’re doubling down on recent advances in AI and AV technology that scale with data.
And we have the people to make it happen. The caliber of technical talent and the depth of our cross-functional teams — from hardware to AI — create a unique environment where breakthrough innovation is not only possible but expected.
What role will GM play in the future of mobility?
GM is poised to lead. With a clear vision, bold investment in transformative technology, and a deep commitment to sustainability and safety, we’re building the blueprint for the future of mobility.
Thanks, Vitaliy!
Stephen Harber is a content strategist and writer with GM’s talent marketing team. Comments and questions: news@gm.com.