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Nissan tests Wayve-powered assisted driving system for Japan launch in 2027

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Nissan Motor announced on Monday that it has begun testing a new driver-assistance system developed in partnership with UK startup Wayve, with a commercial launch in Japan planned for the 2027 financial year.

The system was recently demonstrated in Tokyo using Nissan Ariya electric vehicles, which showcased advanced collision avoidance features tailored for busy urban environments. Unlike highways, city driving poses unique challenges due to pedestrians, parked cars, and delivery traffic.

The prototype vehicles are equipped with a powerful sensor suite:

  • 11 cameras

  • 5 radars

  • 1 lidar sensor

This setup enables Level 2 autonomous driving, meaning the system can handle steering, acceleration, and braking, but requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and be ready to intervene.

Wayve, backed by SoftBank and Nvidia, specializes in AI-driven self-learning systems for autonomous driving and recently opened a testing and development centre in Japan.

Nissan has been gradually advancing its driver-assist technology since launching ProPilot in 2016, followed by an upgraded version in 2019 that focused on highway driving. The new collaboration with Wayve represents Nissan’s push to bring advanced autonomy into complex urban environments.

Dubai Eyes 2026 Launch for Joby Air Taxis to Beat Traffic

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Dubai may soon redefine urban commuting by turning to the skies. Joby Aviation completed its first successful test flight of a fully electric air taxi in the emirate this week, as the city moves forward with plans to launch commercial airborne transport by 2026.

The California-based company’s eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, which produces zero emissions and operates with minimal noise, is intended to help ease congestion in one of the world’s most traffic-heavy cities. According to Joby’s UAE General Manager Anthony Khoury, a journey from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah would take just 12 minutes by air taxi, compared to about 45 minutes by car.

The test flight was conducted in an isolated desert area southeast of downtown Dubai. It involved a vertical takeoff, a several-mile flight, and a vertical landing, simulating a typical short-distance urban trip. The event was attended by senior officials, transport executives, and company representatives.

Though Joby’s long-term vision is to make aerial rides affordable for all, Khoury acknowledged that early pricing will cater to wealthier travelers, as is often the case with new technologies.

The Joby Aerial Taxi can fly up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) at speeds reaching 320 km/h (200 mph), making it a strong candidate for short-haul urban and intercity travel. Its quiet electric propulsion makes it suitable for residential areas — a key consideration for urban operations.

In early 2024, Joby signed an exclusive agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), granting it the sole rights to operate air taxis in the emirate for six years. The company aims to launch with four vertiports located at DXB airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.

Despite the successful test, significant challenges remain — including regulatory approval, development of vertiport infrastructure, and supply chain risks. In April, Morgan Stanley downgraded Joby’s stock price target from $10 to $7, citing execution risks and broader aerospace industry concerns. As of now, Joby’s stock is trading at $10.55.

“This is a rare leap in aviation,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s President of OEM. “You don’t often see transformations like this — we’re at the start of something remarkable.”

Waymo Returns to New York City for Autonomous Vehicle Testing

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Waymo, the self-driving technology unit of Alphabet, announced on Wednesday that it will resume testing in New York City next month, bringing its autonomous vehicles back to Manhattan streets as it scales up U.S. operations.

The company has formally applied for a permit with the New York City Department of Transportation to conduct autonomous testing with a trained human operator behind the wheel. While the current phase will begin with manual driving, the permit would pave the way for New York’s first official autonomous vehicle test deployment on public roads.

“This is not an expansion, but we have every intention of bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the city in the future,” Waymo said in a statement.

New York State law currently prohibits fully driverless vehicle operation — a restriction Waymo is now lobbying to change.

Waymo first brought its vehicles to Manhattan in 2021, conducting manual driving and data collection exercises. The latest push signals its long-term commitment to eventually offering robotaxi services in one of the country’s most complex urban environments.

The move comes amid heightened competition in the self-driving industry. Rival Tesla is expected to launch a limited trial of its autonomous taxi service with just 10 vehicles this weekend, signaling growing industry momentum.

Meanwhile, Waymo continues to expand in California. The company announced Tuesday it will extend coverage to more areas of Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Peninsula after receiving state regulatory approval last month.

Currently, Waymo remains the only U.S. company operating robotaxi services with paying passengers, delivering over 250,000 weekly rides across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin with a fleet of more than 1,500 autonomous vehicles.