Nissan has been secretly working on a mind-reading driver assistance system called Brain-to-Vehicle (B2V) technology.

By analyzing the driver’s brain waves, the autonomous system can predict a movement – such as turning the steering wheel or pushing the accelerator pedal – and take action using driver assistance systems.

Nissan hopes this will optimise reaction times by around half a second, while remaining imperceptible, but also lead to a more enjoyable driving experience.

The technology will be debuted at the CES 2018 trade show in Las Vegas.

B2V is the latest development in Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for transforming how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society.

“When most people think about autonomous driving, they have a very impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish control to the machines,” said Nissan’s executive vice president Daniele Schillaci.

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

The system can also be used to adjust 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.