Nissan has announced a partnership with UK-based AI startup Wayve to integrate advanced self-driving software into its ProPilot driver-assistance system by 2027. This collaboration positions Nissan as the first automaker to adopt Wayve’s innovative technology, aiming to set a new standard in autonomous driving with enhanced collision avoidance capabilities.
Founded in 2017, Wayve has garnered significant attention and investment, securing over $1.3 billion from notable backers such as Nvidia, Microsoft, SoftBank Group, and Uber. The company’s self-learning, end-to-end AI approach differs from traditional rules-based systems by relying on real-world data to inform driving decisions. This methodology allows the system to adapt to various environments without depending on high-definition maps or specific sensor configurations.
The integration will involve incorporating Wayve’s software alongside sensors, including lidar from an undisclosed supplier, into Nissan’s ProPilot system. The enhanced ProPilot aims to deliver Level 2 autonomy, automating tasks like steering and braking while requiring driver supervision. Nissan has not yet specified which vehicle models will feature this upgraded system.
Wayve’s technology is designed to be hardware-agnostic, capable of operating with existing sensors such as cameras and radar. This flexibility translates to cost-effective implementation across various vehicle platforms. Additionally, while Wayve’s development fleet utilizes Nvidia’s Orin system-on-chip, the software can run on different GPUs that original equipment manufacturer partners may already have in their vehicles.
Nissan’s spokesperson, Shiro Nagai, emphasized that leveraging Nissan’s technology with Wayve’s AI is expected to enable future vehicles to emulate the judgment and actions of a careful human driver in complex scenarios.
This partnership underscores a significant shift in the automotive industry towards integrating AI-driven solutions to enhance vehicle autonomy and safety. By collaborating with tech innovators like Wayve, traditional automakers such as Nissan aim to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous driving technology.
