Nissan unveils autonomous driving tech to take on Google's Waymo
What's the story
Japanese carmaker Nissan has finally unveiled its autonomous driving technology.
The system relies on a network of 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDAR sensors installed in and around the vehicle.
This move indicates Japan's eagerness to catch up with leading driverless tech innovators like Google's Waymo.
The country has not kept pace with the global shift toward autonomous driving, with China and the US currently leading the charge.
Competition intensifies
Waymo's entry into Japan coincides with Nissan's announcement
Waymo plans to enter the Japanese market this year, intensifying the competition in the autonomous driving sector.
The company has partnered with major cab firm Nihon Kotsu, which will manage their all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs first in the Tokyo area, still with a human cab driver riding along.
This collaboration highlights Japan's growing interest in autonomous tech and its potential to revolutionize transportation services across the nation.
Tech integration
A blend of expertise and innovation
Nissan's driverless tech is being tested on its Serena minivan.
The system works at Level Two of the industry's classification, which implies a person sits before a remote-control panel in a separate location outside the vehicle, and is ready to take control if the technology fails.
Takeshi Kimura, an engineer from Nissan's Mobility and AI Laboratory, believes automakers are best suited to integrate self-driving tech into vehicles due to their in-depth understanding of cars.
Future plans
Nissan's vision for autonomous cars in Japan
Nissan has ambitious plans for its driverless tech, aiming to achieve Level Four autonomy by 2029 or 2030.
This level means no human involvement is required, even as a backup.
The firm hopes to have 20 such vehicles moving in the Yokohama area in the next couple of years.
Autonomous vehicles could address Japan's shrinking population and driver shortage problems, making them a potential lifeline for future transportation needs.
Industry challenges
Japan's cautious approach to autonomous vehicle technology
Despite the potential benefits, Japan has been slow to adopt autonomous vehicle technology.
The use of so-called Level Four autonomous cars in a rural area in Fukui Prefecture has been permitted, but these vehicles are more akin to golf carts than full-sized cars.
Toyota is also exploring this technology, with plans for a "city" near Mount Fuji dedicated to testing various technologies, including autonomous driving.
Safety assurance
Nissan's driverless technology: A solution to human limitations
Nissan assures that its driverless technology is safe, as it can monitor all surroundings at the same time with its sensors.
During a recent demonstration, when a system failure occurred, the car simply came to a stop and all was well.
This level of safety could potentially make autonomous vehicles an attractive alternative to traditional driving methods for many people.