Nissan’s minivan with self-driving tech fielded in ‘complex urban environment’

MANILA: The Nissan Serena (equipped with the brand’s proprietary autonomous driving technology) has navigated Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area.

Per the carmaker, the area is a “public road in a complex urban environment,” which made the said feat a first in Japan.

According to the Kanagawa-headquartered auto firm, what the self-driving minivan has accomplished is a significant step towards resolving transportation challenges in the country. By leveraging the said autonomous-driving technology, Nissan aims to provide a broad range of new services that enable freedom of mobility.

Self-driving Nissan Serena

The Nissan Serena used in the pilot project was equipped with 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDAR sensors.

Its roof sensors significantly expanded its detection capabilities for a more accurate detection of its surroundings.

In addition, the use of artificial intelligence has significantly enhanced recognition, behavioral prediction, judgment, and control for a smooth operation in a variety of complex scenarios.

To ensure the utmost safety for the test vehicle demonstration, Nissan said that its engineers verified a number of possible scenarios along the driving route, added an immediate stop function for emergencies, and introduced intentional redundancies.

More automated car demonstrations

Since 2017, Nissan has been demonstrating and testing automated driving technology. At the time of writing, the marque is planning service demonstrations involving approximately 20 vehicles.

The said demonstrations are eyed to take place in Yokohama, from the years 2025 to 2026.

Nissan is also building an operational framework and service ecosystem with stakeholders.

By 2027, Nissan looks to provide autonomous driving mobility services, in collaboration with municipalities and transportation operators, with remote monitoring.

The said initiative will be promoted in close cooperation with the following Japanese government agencies:

• Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry
• Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism
• Other government ministries in Yokohama City

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