Nissan is preparing to launch a pilot fleet of autonomous Leaf robotaxis in Tokyo later this year, pending regulatory approval. The project is part of a broader global strategy developed with Wayve, Nvidia, and Uber to expand fully autonomous ride-hailing services.

Unlike the standard production Leaf, the robotaxi version is equipped with fully redundant safety systems. Similar to the technology used in modern aircraft, critical components are duplicated so the vehicle can continue operating safely even if one system fails.

The new Leaf is designed to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving, allowing it to operate without human intervention—even in emergency situations—within predefined operating areas. Unlike Level 5 autonomy, which aims for unrestricted driving anywhere, Level 4 focuses on specific cities and routes, making it ideal for robotaxis and urban mobility services.

Powering the system is Nvidia’s Drive Hyperion platform, which combines cameras, radar, lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and interior monitoring hardware. Wayve’s AI Driver acts as the vehicle’s decision-making system, using an end-to-end artificial intelligence model trained on real-world driving data. Instead of relying on detailed HD maps, it interprets its surroundings in real time, adapting to changing traffic conditions and predicting how other road users will behave.

A full suite of 360-degree cameras, forward-facing radar, and lidar provides comprehensive environmental awareness. Nissan says the AI continuously analyzes this information to make safe driving decisions while learning from real-world traffic scenarios.

The company also plans to enhance the passenger experience with new cabin displays and communication features designed specifically for autonomous transport. Meanwhile, Wayve and Uber aim to expand robotaxi trials to more than 10 cities worldwide, with AI Driver engineered to work across multiple vehicle platforms and manufacturers. Could Nissan’s AI-powered Leaf become one of the first autonomous taxis to gain widespread public acceptance?

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