Unfair advantage, or the future of sports? Nissan ProPILOT golf ball drives itself to the hole

If you’re a scratch player who’s ever missed that heartbreaking putt – or just wanted to be the star of your local miniature golf course – Nissan has introduced an innovative golf ball concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in early January, that’s literally a game changer.

The “smart” golf ball takes inspiration from Nissan ProPILOT 2.0 – Nissan’s most advanced driver assistance technology. ProPILOT 2.0 uses high-definition 3-D mapping to guide you every step of the way – including lane changes – from entering the highway to your exit. It even allows single-lane, hands-free driving.

Imagine lining up for a putt and knowing – not guessing or hoping – that the ball will go into the hole. Even if you can’t hit the ground with your hat, this clever little golf ball won’t miss its mark.

While it looks pretty simple – you tap the ball and it finds its way for that eagle – there’s a lot of tech involved.

Using technology influenced by Nissan driver assistance systems, an overhead camera detects the position of the ball and cup. Once you hit the ball, a monitoring system calculates the correct route and adjusts the trajectory. Combining this sensing technology with an internal electric motor, the system constantly adjusts to create a smooth, effortless arc to take the ball to the cup.

Admittedly, this may feel like you’re cheating on the golf course, but it shows how Nissan ProPILOT can create great confidence that technology can reduce stress, amaze yourself and your friends, and make something we enjoy even more fun – exactly what ProPILOT 2.0 does for those who enjoy it in the new Nissan Skyline and the new all-electric ARIYA crossover.