ProPILOT is a single-lane autonomous driving technology. Once activated, it can automatically control the distance to the vehicle in front, using a speed preset by the driver (between about 30 km/h and 100 km/h).
It can also help the driver steer and keep the vehicle centered in its lane. If the car in front stops, the ProPILOT system will automatically apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a full stop if necessary.
After coming to a full stop, the vehicle can remain in place even if the driver's foot is off the brake. If traffic restarts, the car will resume driving when the driver touches the switch again or lightly presses the accelerator to activate ProPILOT.
All these functions can significantly reduce stress when driving on the highway in both heavy and flowing traffic.
Additionally, more advanced forms of ProPILOT technology enable the vehicle to operate autonomously on urban roads and freeways, beginning when the driver selects a destination using the navigation system, until arrival.
During tests in October of 2017 with a modified INFINITI Q50 in Japan, the prototype's artificial intelligence uses input from 12 cameras, nine millimeter-wave radars, six laser scanners, 12 sonars and a high-definition map to analyze complex scenarios in real time and navigate smoothly through challenging city conditions – such as crossing busy intersections. These hardware upgrades, along with software improvements, also ensure smooth transitions when encountering obstacles in the road. This results in a human-like driving feel that gives passengers peace of mind.
"Ingenuity is at the heart of everything we do at Nissan," said Takao Asami, Nissan's senior vice president in charge of research and advanced engineering. "Our next-generation ProPILOT prototype showcases technology that will be available for real-world use from 2020. Today's demonstration is another example of our successful work toward creating an autonomous driving future for all."
Related:
Nissan's future generation ProPILOT technology – available for real-world
use from 2020
Nissan tests fully autonomous prototype technology on streets of Tokyo
The new Nissan LEAF – embodying Nissan Intelligent Mobility
ProPILOT autonomous drive in new Nissan Serena wins 2016-2017 Japan Car of the Year Innovation Award
The surprising technology behind the future of autonomous driving