Nissan autonomous car prototype made its debut on October 29. The prototype, based on the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, is Nissan’s first trial in traffic conditions both on the highways and urban roads, and represents Nissan’s two corporate visions: Zero Emission and Zero Fatality.
The Nissan autonomous car prototype is based on an advanced system called “Nissan Intelligent Driving” that will be implemented in stages. In Stage One, Nissan will launch the “Piloted Drive 1.0” in Japan by the end of next year, which is capable of handling autonomous driving in heavy traffic conditions on the highway. The Stage 2, scheduled for 2018, will see updates in the system allowing the car to change lanes autonomously. In the final phase by 2020, the ability to navigate urban roads will be added.
Along with features like millimetre wave radar, laser scanner, cameras, and a specialised Human Machine Interface, the Nissan autonomous car prototype is also equipped with two innovative technologies. The first comprises a miniature high spec laser scanner which uses 3D measurement to enable the vehicle to navigate through tight spaces. The second is an 8 way 360 degree view camera to enable navigation through intersections and sharp turns.