Nissan Uses Brainwave-Reading Technology in New Car

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. skullcap / ˈskʌlˌkæp / (n) – a cap that fits the top of one’s head
    Example:

    I don’t like wearing skullcaps during summer.


  2. interpretation / ɪnˌtɜr prɪˈteɪ ʃən / (n) – an understanding or analysis of data
    Example:

    The scientists have a common interpretation of the data they gathered.


  3. initiate / ɪˈnɪʃ iˌeɪt / (v) – to start
    Example:

    Normally, a driver has to initiate the motion of a car using his hands and feet.


  4. above par / əˈbʌv pɑr / (idiom) – better than average
    Example:

    After a few months of practice, the driver showed above par driving skills.


  5. turn up / tɜrn ʌp / (phrasal) – to increase the volume of something
    Example:

    The sound was too weak so we had to turn up the radio.


Article

Read the text below.

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan uses brainwave-reading technology in its new car, which was demonstrated in the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last January.


The car features a light wearable skullcap that can read electric signals in the driver’s brain. The car’s brain-to-vehicle (B2V) technology uses electroencephalography (EEG)   / ɪˌlɛk troʊ ɛnˈsɛf ə ləˌgræ fi /, which calculates and predicts the driver’s actions. The skullcap then sends its interpretation of the electric signals to different systems in the car, which will begin to respond ahead of the driver.


The B2V system is expected to predict the driver’s actions, such as stepping on the gas pedal or moving the steering wheel. It then initiates the car to perform these actions between 0.2 seconds to 0.5 seconds earlier than the driver. A senior researcher for Nissan who makes use of the system when traveling to work mentioned that the assisted action can also give the driver the impression of having above par driving skills.


Moreover, the system reads the driver’s brainwaves and makes adjustments in the car even when it is in self-driving mode. For example, when the system senses that the driver is feeling too hot, it can turn up the air conditioner.


In the past, other car companies have also considered using brainwave-reading technology to enhance the driving experience of car owners. In 2015, Jaguar declared its plan to read a driver’s brainwaves as a way of ensuring focus on the road. In 2016, Renault also made an attempt to use EEG as a way for drivers to control their cars using only their brainwaves.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Would you like to use brain-to-vehicle technology? Why or why not?
• Do you think this technology would be popular in your country? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• What unique innovation would you like to see in future cars?
• In your opinion, should car companies always come up with unique innovations? Why or why not?