Nissan is testing a new self-driving minivan that navigates busy city streets on its own. The vehicle is equipped with 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors, and a human is on standby both remotely and in the car to take action if necessary. This test is part of Nissan's plan to move from partial autonomy to a completely driverless system by 2029 or 2030.
The experiment is significant because it shows how technology is being used to improve safety and efficiency on the road. The vehicle, currently tested in Yokohama, operates in real traffic, interacting with pedestrians and other vehicles. This hands-on testing gives engineers and researchers valuable data about how self-driving cars perform in everyday conditions.
The initiative reflects a global trend where companies are racing to develop safe and reliable autonomous vehicles. With players like Google’s Waymo and Toyota also stepping up their efforts, consumer transport is on the verge of a major transformation. This development raises optimism about future travel, while also highlighting the challenges of perfecting such advanced technology.