Wayve’s Self-Driving Technology Coming To Nissan Vehicles
In a major step toward more intelligent vehicles, Nissan has announced plans to integrate self-driving software from UK-based startup Wayve into its cars by 2027. This collaboration is set to enhance Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance system, pushing it closer to the next generation of automated driving. Notably, Wayve has already raised over $1.3 billion from backers like Microsoft, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Uber.
Wayve’s software, paired with sensors including lidar from an unnamed supplier, will become part of Nissan’s future advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). According to Nissan, the result will be a “new standard” in autonomous features, especially in collision avoidance. However, the upcoming system will still fall under Level 2 autonomy, meaning the car can handle steering and braking, but the driver must remain in control.
The automaker hasn’t disclosed which models will include the system. Still, the move underscores a growing trend in the auto industry—partnering with AI-focused startups to speed up the rollout of smarter, safer driving tech.
Why Wayve’s Tech Stands Out
Founded in 2017, Wayve is not just another AV company. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on detailed maps and sensor-heavy setups, Wayve uses a self-learning, end-to-end AI model. This design enables the software to learn directly from real-world driving data rather than rigid rules. As a result, it works flexibly across various vehicle platforms and conditions.
Interestingly, Wayve’s “Embodied AI” can function with the sensors automakers already use, such as cameras and radar. This makes it both cost-effective and adaptable. Although its test fleet runs on Nvidia’s Orin chip, the software can operate on a wide range of GPUs, which lowers barriers for automakers interested in adoption.
A Scalable Vision for the Future
Wayve isn’t aiming to be just another autonomous driving solution provider. Instead, it wants to be the go-to AI software supplier for automakers and robotics developers alike. The company’s Embodied AI model can adapt to different environments, enabling it to support applications beyond just personal vehicles.
In an email, Nissan’s spokesperson Shiro Nagai highlighted the significance of this adaptability. “By combining Nissan’s technology with Wayve’s AI, future vehicles will mimic the decision-making of careful human drivers—even in complex traffic situations,” he stated. Clearly, both companies are betting big on the potential of AI to transform mobility.
