Nissan ProPILOT golf ball is inspired by their driver assistance system

Sometimes proof of concept helps drive home the point a lot more effectively than just explaining the proposition. For example, Nissan has chosen the route of showcasing a golf ball, featuring the ability to ‘drive’ itself into the hole, every time you putt it. The story they want to highlight here is, the new ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance system that will roll out in the new Nissan Skyline.

The fact that they could fit the technology of a driver assistance system into a golf ball, is another story by itself. Basically, there is an overhead camera that detects and notes the location and position of the ball and the cup. When you strike the ball for a putt, a monitoring system kicks in and calculates the correct route.

Maneuverable Cars and Golf

The ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance technology bases the calculations on details like the ball’s movement and adjusts its course so that the ball drives into the hole every time. Needless to say, there are sensors involved, along with an internal electric motor, giving the golf ball all the tech support it requires.

If nothing else, this ProPILOT golf ball makes a novice feel like a Pro, and take glory in the shoddy strokes they hit. What this example means for car drivers of the upcoming Nissan Skyline, is that something quite similar is being offered in the car, with no pun intended on anyones driving skills.

Hands-off Driving with the ProPILOT 2.0 Tech

Nissan’s ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance technology is a navigation system that moves the car on designated roadways, with a predetermined route chalked out. It allows you to experience hands-off driving and gives the car’s navigation system the control of your route.

The navigation system is designed for on-ramp to off-ramp (ramp-to-ramp) highway driving, and is the ‘first in the world’ to combine this feature of hands-off driving with cruising in a single lane capability. Drawing parallels of a stress-free game that you enjoy, Nissan hopes to make driving a lot more simplified and enjoyable.  

It’s not the first time Nissan has used proof of concept to explain its car’s innovative features. They have previously showcased the Intelligent Parking Chair, the ProPILOT Chair and the ProPILOT Park Ryokan – self-parking slippers.