Nissan’s unveiled the world’s first fly-by-wire steering system, completely eliminating the mechanical connection between the wheel in your hands and the wheels on the road. Although the automaker insists the system will enhance the driving experience, it’s also a big step toward a fully autonomous vehicle.

Lots of automakers offer electrically assisted power-steering systems, but Nissan’s “independent control steering technology” — which could appear as early as next year in Infiniti G-series models — takes the concept to its logical extreme. It replaces the steering column with software and motors to create a fully electric system. Beyond providing a better driving experience, Nissan sees the technology improving safety by allowing the car to take evasive action if, say, a pedestrian steps in front of you.

From there, it’s not hard to imagine the technology being instrumental in developing truly autonomous vehicles.

The system is fairly straightforward. When the driver turns the wheel, several computer modules (some of them are redundant to ensure safety) control electric motors that actuate the steering rack far faster than a traditional mechanical system. Before you start squawking about an electrical failure, Nissan says the steering wheel is connected to the rack through an emergency clutch, allowing the driver to retain control if something goes kablooey.

Many automakers have switched to electrically assisted steering and fly-by-wire’d for braking and acceleration to improve fuel economy. Electric steering, for example, doesn’t require an engine-driven pump. Nissan, however, says it’s tech is focused on helping the driver.

Steer-by-wire tech and a camera mounted ahead of the mirror scan the road ahead can enhance the driver experience. Road conditions and feedback can be analyzed on-the-fly, filtering unwanted “noise” often transmitted through a mechanical linkage from the wheels to the hands. Nissan claims the system also makes nearly instantaneous steering inputs. Want to feel the weight of the car shifting as you tackle a tight bend, but don’t want to feel that rut in the road during your morning commute? This new system has you covered on both fronts.

The camera also will watch for lane markings, stopped vehicles and other hazards. Wander out of your lane and your car will center itself. This is similar to other “lane keep assist” systems, but uses steering instead of the rear brakes to keep you in line. Extending that functionality, Nissan also claims the driver won’t need to apply corrective force to the wheel on banked corners, and the system will automatically adjust the attitude of the vehicle to account for lateral movement caused by crosswinds.

Nissan’s focus on driver involvement is only part of the puzzle, though. In addition to demonstrating the new technology on a modified Infiniti G37S, the automaker also showed off the technology in its electric Nissan Leaf fitted with the new steering system and a brace of monitors and sensors. As the car encounters obstacles — another vehicle, a pedestrian — the car steers itself to safety and stops.

It’s yet another indication that the future of autonomous vehicles isn’t about creating an all-new vehicle, but combining existing technologies to develop a nearly crash-proof car. The driving benefits are nearly secondary.