- Nissan's next-gen ProPilot will leverage Wayve AI Driver software and next-generation LiDAR to enhance safety.
- Ariya prototype vehicles will demonstrate driving capabilities on complex downtown Tokyo streets.
- Nissan is on track to launch the system on select mass-production vehicles in Japan within FY27.
Nissan recently began demonstrations of its next-generation ProPilot advanced driver-assist system (ADAS), utilising a fleet of all-electric Nissan Ariya-based prototype vehicles in central Tokyo.
The next-generation ProPilot aims to "set new standards" for driver assistance by leveraging advanced software and hardware, including Wayve's advanced "AI Driver" software that the autonomous mobility company describes as "a mapless, hardware-agnostic solution that enables efficient software upgrades, unlocking advanced levels of automation from L2+ to L4 as Wayve’s core AI model evolves."
Having previously evolved its technology from single-lane to multi-lane highway support, Nissan now wants to deliver reliable driver assistance even on complex urban roads. According to the company, the system is intended to "provide the feeling that a skilled human driver is behind the wheel."
Nissan says the core of the system combines its “Ground Truth Perception” technology with Wayve AI Driver software. Wayve’s software applies cutting-edge embodied AI technology, that processes image data from onboard cameras to enable smooth and safe driving within complex urban environments.
The AI is engineered to grasp its surroundings, anticipate future events, and understand how its actions will affect the environment. Inspired by human cognition, the AI understands how entire driving scenes evolve, allowing it to adapt to a wide variety of real-world scenarios and make accurate decisions in complex situations.
"Our current ProPilot 2.0 system has been well received, but Nissan’s next-generation ProPilot technology will bring even more innovative features," said Nissan's Chief Technology Officer Eiichi Akashi.
"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 AI and other improved software are supported by a new hardware suite, with the prototype vehicles featuring 11 cameras, 5 radar sensors, and a next-generation LiDAR sensor.
Nissan says the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor is a key component of the Ground Truth Perception technology, and contributes to safety by "accurately detecting objects at greater distances than cameras, enhancing performance during high-speed and night time driving."
Nissan plans to launch the next-generation ProPilot system on select production models for the Japanese domestic market starting in 2027 and says the system operates under SAE Level 2 autonomous driving protocols, meaning a driver must remain seated in the vehicle, monitor its operation, and be prepared for immediate manual intervention.
