Nissan expands its ProPILOT tech, introduces hands-free driving

Car manufacturer Nissan has made a series of improvements in its proprietary electronic driver aid system called ProPILOT. Perhaps the most interesting new feature comes in the form of semi-automatic, hands-free driving. The Japanese version of the Nissan Skyline will be the first to benefit from the system in the coming autumn.

The autopilot feature currently only works on highways and cannot automatically enter a highway or pull off it. To activate the feature, you first need to specify the route in the GPS navigation software. ProPILOT will then keep the car in the same lane and assist the driver whenever he or she wants to take over or change lane. A visual indication will pop up and a sound warning will go off with each automatic maneuver.

The system uses arrays of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radars to surveil its surrounding area, the manufacturer reports. It also makes use of topographical data and makes sure the driver stays focused on the road ahead, autopilot or not.

In its current state, the feature does not work on two-way freeways, on paid roads where you need to pull up to a pay booth first, and on curved road sections.

Photos: motorauthority.com