Nissan has taken the next step on the path toward a Phillip K. Dick future with its new technologies called Distance Control Assist and Active Stability Assist.
The Distance Control Assist (DCA) system utilizes map information to adjust the accelerator pedal and braking when navigating around curves. When going into a twisty, DCA will physically move the pedal upward to make you slow down, and, when your foot is removed, will apply the brakes to further control your speed. Nissan says that DCA "focuse[s] on reducing the driver's workload on curvy roads by integrating navigation, accelerator pedal, powertrain and brakes."
Active Stability Assist, on the other hand, synchronizes braking, steering and engine response. It monitors a driver's driving patterns (mostly braking and acceleration) and individually controls braking and the amount of torque applied to each wheel. The system optimizes the distribution of force to each wheel, depending on the radius of the curve, of course.
Both systems will debut on the new Fuga sedan -- Japan's version of the Infiniti M series -- later in Nissan's current fiscal year.
someguyposting says:
04:13 PM, 07/31/09
I think I'm going to be sick.
I sure hope DCA can be defeated. If it can't, what would be the point of driving? You might as well take a taxi, or worse yet - let your wife drive.
OK, so I'm over-reacting a bit, but still - it sounds disgusting.
billt9 says:
04:55 PM, 07/31/09
it looks like it just reminds you to slow down by making the accelerator pedal stiffer to press down when you're turning a tighter radius.
You can override it easily by stomping harder.
It sounds great. So if you're tired after work going home, taking a turn, pedal effort increases, and you slow down without having to use muscles to live your foot up during the turn.
As soon as you're out of the turn, pedal effort softens, and your foot falls back down by gravity.
Will have to try it to see if I like it.
cwc1 says:
05:57 PM, 07/31/09
One further step toward turning the driver into just another passenger.
Kill me now...
firstwagon says:
07:58 PM, 07/31/09
I just watched the movie WallE with my kids.
This really sounds like a step towards the hover chairs on the Axiom. You will never have to use your muscles ... or your mind again.
No thanks, I prefer to do things myself.
the_big_al says:
09:02 PM, 07/31/09
yet another piece of technology to take the responsibility of driving out of our hands.... no thanks.
rallyandbosox says:
09:34 PM, 07/31/09
Do people actually think that not driving will make things safer? If all cars were mechanically driven and the chaos that is cars on the road are still there it would be hard to prevent crashes. I have a right foot for a reason, to work the gas pedal (well, and to walk of course).
93aero says:
05:01 AM, 08/ 1/09
i don't understand whats so great about cars driving themselves, let alone why we would want to do that....yea in the long run it could work out for insanly lazy people, but imagine all the little "bumps" (car accidents) in the road with these projects, cant people just drive their cars themselves...i for one love to drive, and would never support the market for a self driving automobile. Plus, this system seems like it would kill any fun you get when taking corners....
93aero says:
05:03 AM, 08/ 1/09
right feet are also used for shoes....and socks.......left feet...not so much...lol.
inlinesix says:
02:16 PM, 08/ 2/09
If this "utilizes map information", like a navigation system it must have to be updated. And like my navigation systems (built-in or suction cup) they aren't always accurate. I don't think I'd like the car to help me drive. No thanks.
mrryte says:
07:35 AM, 08/ 3/09
Dear Nissan/Infiniti,
For the sake of humanity; please do not implement this "technology" on upcoming vehicles. It would only be a hinderance. Why not put the R&D into other areas like designing more supportive seats or a device that prevents mobile phones from receiving and sending text messages while the vehicle is in motion? Addressing those two issues will do a lot more for safer roads.
Furthermore, any motor vehicle technology that somehow tries to "outthink" the driver means two things:
1. Our technology is becoming more and more like the HAL9000 from "2001" and VIKI from "I, Robot".
2. The driver isn't competent enough to be operating a motor vehicle in the first place.
brn says:
12:33 PM, 08/ 3/09
Fw: "I just watched the movie WallE with my kids."
Sure, blame the kids. I just watched WallE and I don't have kids.
Part of me is looking forward to the days when cars can drive themselves. I'd love to be a passenger for a daily commute, without the hassles of public transportation.
Of course, there are plenty of times I want to be the driver too.
breif says:
07:03 AM, 08/ 4/09
So what happens when the system fails after ~50k miles of the driver being babysat? Driver fails to check speed because the car always slowed him down for that corner, and the car goes flying off the road. Seems like a potential lawsuit waiting to happen, knowing how these things go here.