Nissan Debuts ProPilot Autonomous Drive Technology

The company explained ProPILOT's configuration, saying that the system controls the accelerator, brakes, and steering based on information obtained through a mono camera equipped with advanced-image processing software. The camera used for this autonomous technology can "quickly recognize in three-dimensional depth both preceding vehicles and lane markers". It employs an easy-to-understand and fit-to-drive interface includes a personal display showing the operating status.

Once activated, the system automatically controls the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, using a speed preset by the driver (between approximately 30Km/h and 100Km/h). The system also keeps the car in the middle of the highway lane by reading lane markers and controlling steering, even through curves. And if a car were to stop in front of the said Nissan vehicle, the ProPILOT system will automatically apply brakes to bring the vehicle to a full stop. After coming to a full stop, the vehicle will remain in place even if the driver's foot is off the brake pedal. When ready to resume driving, ProPILOT can be activated by either touching the switch again or by lightly pressing the accelerator.

Nissan announced that the Serena, scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late August, will come equipped with ProPILOT. Additionally, the technology will also be introduced in the Qashqai crossover SUV in Europe in 2017.