Cars that read your mind
Nissan has tech that can read your brain. What do you think of that, asks David Linklater.
Nissan is researching ways for vehicles to interpret signals from the driver’s brain, redefining how people can interact with their cars.
Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, technology promises to speed up reaction times for drivers and result in self-driving cars that adapt to different driving situations more readily.
B2V is the latest development in Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for future cars.
‘‘When most people think about autonomous driving, they have a very impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish control to the machines,’’ says Nissan executive vice president Daniele Schillaci.
B2V is the result of research into using brain decoding technology to predict a driver’s actions and detect discomfort:
It predicts by catching signs that the driver’s brain is about to initiate a movement, such as turning the steering wheel or pushing the accelerator pedal. Driver assist technologies can begin the action more quickly, improving reaction times and enhancing manual driving.
By detecting and evaluating driver discomfort, artificial intelligence can change the driving configuration or driving style when in autonomous mode.
Other possible uses include adjusting the vehicle’s internal environment, says Dr Lucian Gheorghe, senior innovation researcher at the Nissan Research Centre in Japan and leader of B2V research.
For example, the technology can use augmented reality to adjust what the driver sees and create a more relaxing environment.
‘‘The potential applications of the technology are incredible,’’ says Gheorghe. ‘‘This research will be a catalyst for more Nissan innovation inside our vehicles in the years to come.’’
Nissan claims its B2V technology is a world-first.
The driver wears a device that measures brain wave activity, which is then analysed by autonomous systems.
By anticipating intended movement, the systems can take action – such as turning the steering wheel or slowing the car – 0.2 to 0.5 seconds faster than the driver, while remaining largely imperceptible.