Nissan has begun demonstrations of its next-generation ProPILOT advanced driver-assistance system, set to launch in Japan in fiscal year 2027. Using a fleet of all-electric Nissan Ariya-based prototypes, the system showcased its ability to navigate the complex urban streets of central Tokyo with safety and precision.
The new ProPILOT combines Wayve’s cutting-edge “AI Driver” software with Nissan’s proprietary “Ground Truth Perception” technology, which utilizes next-generation LiDAR. Together, these innovations aim to redefine industry standards for advanced driver-assist systems.
Advanced Hardware Suite for Next-Gen ProPILOT
The prototype vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive hardware suite, including 11 cameras, 5 radar sensors, and a next-generation LiDAR sensor, enabling highly accurate environmental sensing and perception.
Wayve AI Driver: Delivering a Human-Like Driving Experience
At the heart of the system is Wayve’s AI Driver software, which leverages advanced embodied AI technology to deliver a driving experience that closely mirrors human behavior. By processing image data from onboard cameras, the AI enables smooth, safe navigation through complex urban environments.
Wayve’s embodied AI is designed to understand its surroundings, anticipate the behavior of other road users, and evaluate how its own actions will impact the environment. This allows it to operate with the intuition and adaptability of a skilled human driver. Its high-speed processing ensures it can react instantly to sudden changes, maintaining safety in real time.
Inspired by human cognition and learning processes, Wayve’s AI perceives the driving scene as a whole—going beyond object detection to understand context and flow. This holistic understanding allows it to adapt to a wide range of real-world situations and make informed decisions, even in unpredictable or dynamic scenarios.
Ensuring safety with Ground Truth Perception using next-generation LiDAR
The demonstration vehicles equipped with next-generation ProPILOT feature a high performance LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof. This is 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.
A technological leap for ProPILOT technology
Nissan has progressively evolved its driver assistance technology from single-lane highway driving (ProPILOT) to multi-lane support (ProPILOT 2.0). With the next-generation ProPILOT, Nissan aims to deliver reliable driver assistance even on complex urban roads.
Eiichi Akashi, Chief Technology Officer of Nissan, said “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. 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”.
Creating a safer, more efficient future of mobility
This initiative is part of Nissan’s comprehensive efforts to innovate mobility by enabling cleaner, safer, and more accessible movement. It aligns with Nissan’s goal to enhance its technological capabilities and competitiveness, with an aim of becoming a leader in the future mobility sector. Nissan plans to launch the next-generation ProPILOT system on select production models for the Japan domestic market starting in FY27.
