Nissan unveils AI-powered ProPILOT for urban driving

Nissan has unveiled its next-generation ProPILOT advanced driver assistance technology, combining artificial intelligence software from UK-based Wayve with next-generation LiDAR sensors to enable safe driving in complex urban environments.

The Japanese automaker demonstrated the system this month using prototype Nissan Ariya electric vehicles navigating central Tokyo streets, ahead of a planned launch on select production models in Japan during fiscal year 2027.

The next-generation ProPILOT system represents a significant advancement from Nissan’s current ProPILOT 2.0 technology, extending capabilities from highway driving to complex urban scenarios through the integration of Wayve’s AI Driver software and Nissan’s Ground Truth Perception technology.

AI-powered urban driving capabilities

The prototype vehicles feature an extensive sensor suite comprising 11 cameras, five radar sensors, and a next-generation LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof. Wayve’s AI Driver software processes image data from the onboard cameras to enable what Nissan describes as smooth and safe driving within complex urban environments.

According to Nissan, Wayve’s embodied artificial intelligence technology can grasp its surroundings and anticipate future scenarios, allowing it to drive safely in harmony with its environment like a skilled human driver. The system’s high-speed processing capabilities enable immediate responses to sudden changes in conditions.

The AI technology is designed to understand how entire driving scenes evolve rather than simply reacting to individual objects, allowing it to adapt to various real-world scenarios and make decisions in complex situations.

Safety through advanced sensors

The high-performance LiDAR sensor serves as a key component of Nissan’s Ground Truth Perception technology suite. LiDAR can accurately detect objects at greater distances than cameras, enhancing safety during high-speed and nighttime driving conditions.

Nissan has progressively evolved its driver assistance technology from single-lane highway driving with the original ProPILOT system to multi-lane support with ProPILOT 2.0. The next-generation system aims to deliver reliable driver assistance on complex urban roads.

“Our current ProPILOT 2.0 system has been well received, but Nissan’s next-generation ProPILOT technology will bring even more innovative features and deliver the feeling that a skilled human driver is behind the wheel,” says Eiichi Akashi, Chief Technology Officer of Nissan.

“It will adapt to more complex traffic conditions and truly provide greater confidence and peace of mind – enhancing safety not only for the driver, but for everyone using the road.”

The system operates as SAE Level 2 autonomous driving, requiring a driver to remain seated in the vehicle and monitor its operation. The driver maintains responsibility for controlling the vehicle and monitoring traffic conditions, with immediate manual intervention potentially required depending on road, traffic and vehicle conditions.

Nissan plans to launch the next-generation ProPILOT system on select production models for the Japan domestic market starting in fiscal year 2027. The initiative forms part of Nissan’s broader efforts to innovate mobility through cleaner, safer and more accessible transportation solutions.

The development aligns with Nissan’s goal to enhance its technological capabilities and competitiveness as it aims to become a leader in the future mobility sector.