Nissan unveils advanced driverless technology
Aim to commercialise autonomous mobility services
Nissan has made a significant leap forward in developing autonomous driving (AD) technology, successfully demonstrating a driverless vehicle navigating a public road in the heart of Japan’s bustling Minato Mirai district. This marks a pivotal moment in Nissan’s ambition to commercialise autonomous mobility services in Japan.
For the first time, a test vehicle without a human driver aboard could safely and effectively navigate complex urban traffic in Japan. The test is a significant milestone, not just for Nissan but also for the future of transportation services in Japan. The company has developed this cutting-edge autonomous technology to support a new mobility service set to launch within the country soon.
This groundbreaking step is part of Nissan’s broader strategy to address the pressing transportation challenges facing local communities, particularly those exacerbated by an ageing population and a shortage of drivers.
The company has stressed that the new technology is an essential leap in terms of innovation and safety. Nissan engineers have rigorously tested and verified the system to ensure it can handle many complex traffic conditions in Japan and worldwide. The tests have been supported by research conducted at Nissan’s Silicon Valley-based Advanced Technology Centre and their participation in the UK’s evolvAD project.
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The experimental vehicle used in this demonstration was based on the popular Serena minivan, one of Japan’s best-selling vehicles. This particular Serena has an impressive array of sensors that enhance its autonomous capabilities.
The car boasts 14 cameras, nine radar units, and six LiDAR sensors, providing a 360-degree view of its surroundings. The vehicle’s roof-mounted sensors have been specially placed to take advantage of Serena’s height, allowing for more precise detection of objects and obstacles that might be out of the range of earlier test models.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the vehicle’s autonomous driving technology, significantly improving its ability to recognise, predict, and respond to its environment. The system uses advanced algorithms to process real-time data and adjust the vehicle’s movement for smoother, more controlled operation in challenging driving conditions. The AI also enables the car to predict potential hazards and make decisions that allow for safe and efficient travel.
As part of its commitment to safety, Nissan’s engineering team has worked tirelessly to test the technology across various driving scenarios, ensuring that the vehicle can react effectively in different traffic situations. The company has also included redundancy features to mitigate the risk of any system failures and an emergency stop function that can be activated instantly if necessary.
Nissan’s plans include conducting service demonstration tests in Yokohama, involving around 20 autonomous vehicles, between the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. These tests will help Nissan refine the technology and build the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable, operational, autonomous mobility service. The company aims to launch this service in 2027, in collaboration with local municipalities and transportation operators and will feature remote monitoring to ensure passenger safety.
Nissan’s autonomous mobility project is receiving strong backing from the Japanese government and local authorities. The company is working closely with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and other relevant ministries to support the rollout of the new mobility services. The initiative will also be supported by the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee, which is focused on driving the development of autonomous vehicles in Japan.
As Nissan moves forward with its ambitious plans, it will continue advancing its autonomous driving technology while building the necessary service ecosystem in Yokohama. The company is also leveraging insights gained from domestic and international test sites to ensure that the service can meet the diverse needs of users in different global markets.
Image: The experimental vehicle used in the autonomous driving demonstration was based on the popular Serena minivan, one of Japan’s best-selling vehicles. Credit: Nissan
