The video, embedded below, shows how the ProPilot system uses LIDAR detection and camera sensors to create a real-time analysis of the surrounding environment. Using that information, the Infiniti Q50 in the demo is able to automatically perform collision avoidance maneuvers, even at high speeds.
The overall feature is being called Ground Truth Perception. It’s capable of lane changes, swerving, and whatever it finds necessary to avoid as much harm as possible. It can identify vehicles, people, or even large road blocking debris. Nissan considers this an important step in the way to developing fully self-driving vehicles. Takao Asami, Nissan's head of global research and development, expanded on that with MotorAuthority.
“We are confident that our in-development Ground Truth Perception technology will make a significant contribution to owner confidence, reduced traffic accidents and autonomous driving in the future.”
Nissan expects to fully flesh out the Ground Truth Perception technology before the end of the decade, where they hope to make it standard in every new model beyond 2030. The current version is available in new cars today, but it’s more limited and requires greater driver attention. Though driving should have the driver's full attention in general, really.
