Nissan is partnering with startup Wayve to revolutionize self-driving technology with a flexible, camera-based AI solution.
Nissan is now seriously entering the race for self-driving cars.
The Japanese automaker has partnered with British AI startup Wayve, which specializes in self-driving technology based on artificial intelligence and cameras instead of large maps and lidar sensors.
The new technology will be part of Nissan's ProPILOT system from 2027, and the goal is to create cars that can drive almost like a human in complex situations.
What distinguishes Wayve from other players in the autonomous driving market is its flexible approach.
While many others build solutions that require extensive mapping and specialized hardware, Wayve relies on real-time learning from cameras and existing sensors.
Wayve drops short and heavy sensors
The system teaches cars to adapt to new and unpredictable situations – just like a human driver. Even without automakers like Nissan having to spend years redesigning their cars with new sensors.
“We can work with manufacturers and say: What hardware is already planned for your next models? Then we build the software from there,” says Kaity Fischer, commercial director at Wayve.
Nissan: The technology must feel natural
Although Nissan has not yet announced which models will get the technology, the brand already has several electric cars where the system could be integrated.
The technology is designed to blend with Nissan's existing driver assistance systems and is intended to help make driving both safer and more enjoyable.
“Nissan and Wayve’s collaboration will enable future Nissan models to mimic the judgment and actions of a skilled and careful driver in traffic,” said Shiro Nagai of Nissan in a statement.
Wayve has previously partnered with Microsoft and received $1.3 billion in investment – the largest AI investment in Europe to date.
The company is also backed by Nvidia and has tested its technology on public roads in both London and California.
The road to autonomous Nissan models
Wayve's core idea is to use so-called "embodied AI". This means that the car learns from real driving situations and simulations – without being dependent on precisely measured roads.
This makes the system particularly suitable for complex and unpredictable urban environments.
Founded in 2017, the company currently has offices in London and San Francisco. The team behind it includes experts in machine learning and robotics.
For Nissan, the collaboration means an important strengthening of the brand's future electric cars and automated solutions – without being tied to a single technological platform.
“Our vision is to develop self-driving technology that not only becomes a reality in millions of cars, but also gains people’s trust by fitting naturally into their everyday lives,” says Wayves co-founder and CEO Alex Kendall.
What does this mean for you as a driver?
When the technology rolls out in 2027, it could potentially give Nissan owners an experience reminiscent of true autonomous driving – although the system will initially be integrated as advanced driver assistance.
The UK system combines flexibility with lower costs, as it does not require specialist equipment or extensive software integrations.
This makes it more likely that more car models and brands will be able to integrate the technology.
Although true self-driving cars are still years away, the collaboration between Nissan and Wayve marks an important step towards that reality – and it could very well be your next Nissan that takes the lead.
