The BCI simulator used in the lab

In the future, thinking about turning left may no longer be just a thought. Japanese auto giant Nissan and a Swiss university are developing cars that scan the driver's thoughts and prepares the vehicle for the next move.

"The idea is to blend driver and vehicle intelligence together in such a way that eliminates conflicts between them, leading to a safer motoring environment," said Jose del R. Millan, a professor at Swiss technological university EPFL who is leading the project.

The project uses "brain activity measurement, eye movement patterns and by scanning the environment around the car in conjunction with the car's own sensors" to forecast the driver's next move.

The vehicle then prepares itself for the manoeuvre by slowing down if necessary, or positioning slightly left or right.

An EPFL spokesman said the research would last four years, and that "at the end of that period, we hope to have a prototype ready."

(c) 2011 AFP