Nissan demonstrates fully autonomous car in Tokyo – due for 2020 release

Nissan has demonstrated a prototype of its most advanced autonomous driving technology, planned for real-world use from 2020, on public roads in Tokyo.

The next-generation ProPilot technology was fitted to a modified Inifiniti Q50. It enables the vehicle to operate autonomously on urban roads and motorways, starting when the driver selects a destination using the navigation system until arrival.

Input from 12 sonars, 12 cameras, nine millimeter-wave radars, six laser scanners and a high-definition map are used to analyse the road in real time allowing the car to navigate smoothly through challenging city conditions – such as crossing busy intersections.

“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.”