Nissan (www.nissan-global.com), which claims to have developed a car that can read its driver’s mind, says software adapted from the medical profession is translating a driver’s thoughts into action to improve vehicle responsiveness.

The software monitors brain-wave activity to anticipate intended movement, be that turning the steering wheel or applying the brakes. Nissan says the system can react between 0.2 and 0.5sec faster than the driver without being considered intrusive.

The B2V (Brain to Vehicle) technology is meant to make driving more enjoyable in a semi-autonomous world by speeding up reaction times and having vehicles that constantly adapt to their owner’s driving style.

Nissan vice-president Daniele Schillaci says the software takes connectivity to the next level. “When most people think about autonomous driving, they have a very impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish control to the machines.

“B2V technology does the opposite, by using signals from their brain to make the drive even more exciting and enjoyable.”

Lucian Gheorghe, senior innovation researcher at the Nissan Research Center in Japan, says other potential uses include adjusting the vehicle’s internal environment.

“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 immense, and this research will be a catalyst for more Nissan innovation inside our vehicles in the years to come.”