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Nissan's ProPilot 2.0 Assist Tech: How It Works and What Are Its Limitations

The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, focusing on electrification and advanced driver assists that will eventually lead to fully autonomous driving. Nissan has been at the forefront of these developments and has recently introduced the latest version of its advanced driver assist system called the ProPilot 2.0.
Nissan ProPILOT 2.0 10 photos
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
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Based on Intel's Mobileye technology, this semi-autonomous, advanced driver assistance system was first introduced in 2016 on the fifth-generation Serena minivan.

It is designed for highway use, keeping the vehicle centered between the lanes by reading markers and controlling the steering. It also automatically controls the distance to the vehicle ahead and is operational at speeds between 30 km/h (18 mph) and 100 km/h (62 mph).

The technology has evolved through the years, and the system received additional features which include a stop and hold function and Navi-link which syncs with the navigation system and provides additional information to better predict traffic.

Nissan Ariya
Photo: Nissan Motor Co.
The latest version, dubbed ProPilot 2.0, uses breakthrough technologies to help drivers navigate through traffic with ease. It launched in Japan on all hybrid versions of the thirteenth generation Skyline and will also feature on the 2021 Nissan Ariya.

Designed primarily for ramp-to-ramp highway use, the enhanced system uses the vehicle’s navigation and a complex suite of cameras, radars, and sensors to offer Level 3 autonomous driving while cruising in a single lane, among other features.

ProPilot 2.0 works when entering a highway and using a predefined route set in the navigation system. The driver is alerted through audio cues and visual notifications that the system is available.

Nissan ProPILOT 2\.0
Photo: Nissan Motor Co.
Once enabled by pressing the dedicated button on the steering wheel, it will use the 360-degree sensing system to help maneuver the vehicle according to a predefined route on designated roadways.

Hands-off driving is possible if the driver's attention is focused on the road, and he or she is prepared to take manual control of the vehicle when road conditions and traffic require it.

The 360-degree sensing system uses seven cameras, five radars, and twelve sonar sensors to detect lane markers, signs, and surrounding vehicles.

Nissan ProPILOT 2\.0
Photo: Nissan Motor Co.
It's worth noting that drivers can disengage or override the function at any time. Also, if the system does not detect a hand on the wheel, it will provide a series of alerts that, if ignored, will result in a slight pulse of the brakes to get the driver’s attention.

Nissan states that if both these warnings are ignored, the system will gently slow down the vehicle within its lane, turn on the hazard lights and come to a complete stop. Although this might be a critical function if the driver is unable to take control, stopping a vehicle on a live lane is not only dangerous but also illegal in most parts of the world.

So, in practice, the technology still faces limitations. Apart from the peculiar stopping function, even in Japan, a country that features a highly developed road infrastructure, ProPilot 2.0 only works on divided highways that have been mapped in 3D high definition.

Drivers will not be able to rely on this assist in tunnels, construction areas, complicated expressway interchanges, or tight corners. It will also automatically deactivate in poor weather conditions or when the wipers are set to the highest setting.

In conclusion, although the system is not yet perfect, it is a step forward to the ultimate goal of creating fully autonomous vehicles, and it offers drivers a chance to relax on a long trip, as long as the highway and weather conditions are perfect.

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About the author: Vlad Radu
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Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
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