The first is Piloted Drive-while in this mode, the vehicle takes over driving (while imitating the driver’s driving style). As this is merely a concept, there are no range estimates on the Nissan IDS.
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Of course these future hydrogen-powered communities are as-of-yet nonexistent, so for now the vehicle is a vision of a possible future, and just one of five concepts Toyota dropped at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The concept also has a carbon-fiber body, a special aerodynamic-swirl wheel design, and thin 175-width wheels. Two cabin configurations are offered on the Nissan IDS concept that include Manual Drive or Piloted Drive.
However, with Nissan targeting 2020 as the roll-out for its Piloted Driving 3.0 evolution of software that allows fully autonomous city driving, expect this technology to spread to sportier models like the next-generation GT-R following its debut on more conventional cars. The seats automatically turn toward each other to facilitate conversation, and the area where the steering wheel is normally is replaced by an iPad-like screen. Many driving-related operations are controlled by the AI, or by the driver’s gesture or voice commands.
One of the world’s biggest automotive spectacles, the Toyota Motor Show, is opening this week, bringing together cutting-edge technology and a few pretty odd designs. Even in manual mode the intelligent drive system is poised to assist if needed, providing more driving choices and greater control in braking and cornering.
Nissan Motor Co. showed a vehicle whose concept was laser scanners, a 360 degree camera setup, a radar and computer chips so the auto can “think” artificially though, to deliver autonomous driving but with accuracy. The roomy interior transforms with all seats facing forward. The driver controls the movement of the vehicle with a steering wheel created to mimic the reins used in horse riding (odd, I know).
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In addition to learning, the Nissan IDS Concept’s artificial intelligence communicates information concerning traffic conditions, the driver’s schedule and personal interests. Nissan design director Mitsunori Morita said: “For autonomous drive to become a reality, as a society we have to consider not only communication between the vehicle and driver, but also between cars and people”.
