Nissan has taken a major leap forward in autonomous vehicle innovation, showcasing its latest AI-powered self-driving technology on the bustling streets of Yokohama, Japan. This marks a pivotal moment in the company’s pursuit of commercial driverless services.
First-Ever Fully Driverless Test in Urban Japan
In a groundbreaking demonstration, Nissan successfully completed a public road test with a vehicle operating without a human driver inside. The test took place in Minato Mirai, a vibrant waterfront district that offered a complex urban environment to challenge the autonomous system.
Advanced AI and Sensor Fusion Powering the Experience
Departing from its traditional LEAF test vehicles, Nissan utilized its Serena minivan for this endeavor. The Serena, Japan’s top-selling minivan, was outfitted with an impressive array of sensors: 14 cameras, 9 radar units, and 6 lidar sensors. These were coupled with Nissan’s proprietary AI technology that dramatically enhanced the vehicle’s ability to recognize objects, predict behavior, and make real-time decisions.
Thanks to the Serena’s elevated design, sensor visibility was significantly improved, ensuring greater situational awareness during the drive.
Safety Still Paramount: Level 2 Automation in Play
Despite the absence of a driver in the cabin, the demonstration adhered to SAE’s Level 2 automation standards. This means that while the vehicle operated autonomously, it was still being remotely monitored and had a standby driver ready to intervene if necessary.
Simulating Real-World Scenarios
Nissan didn’t just cruise through city streets—it incorporated realistic challenges such as emergency stops, mimicking real-world conditions to test how the vehicle would respond under pressure.
Global Insights Fuel Local Innovation
The automaker has leveraged its international research to fine-tune its technology. Findings from its work in California and the UK’s EvolvAD project have been instrumental in shaping Nissan’s current capabilities.
This global knowledge base is now being applied to Nissan’s ambitious goal of launching a commercial mobility service in Japan that addresses the country’s growing driver shortage due to an aging population.
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap to 2027
Testing will continue in Yokohama with a fleet of 20 autonomous vehicles throughout fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Nissan aims to collaborate with municipalities and transport operators to build a robust operational framework. The goal? To roll out a fully functional, remotely monitored autonomous transportation service by 2027.
This initiative is being actively supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Japan’s Driverless Race Accelerates
Other companies are also eyeing Japan’s autonomous future. Waymo plans to begin testing in 2025, while SoftBank and TIER IV are already piloting autonomous taxi services in Tokyo with onboard safety monitors.
This surge of innovation places Japan at the epicenter of the self-driving revolution in Asia, with manufacturers like Nissan leading the charge.
Related Read: Explore how swarm-controlled humanoid robots are transforming automotive manufacturing, the very industry that’s also embracing autonomous mobility technology.
