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May Mobility, Inc. and NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION (NTT) have partnered to provide reliable and safe autonomous driving services in Japan. The collaboration will see NTT DOCOMO, INC. lead operations for Aichi Prefecture’s Autonomous Driving Operation Project, using May Mobility’s technology to conduct regular autonomous vehicle operations. Additionally, an autonomous driving pilot will be launched at the NTT Central Training Center to further promote the social acceptance of autonomous driving services.
Key Highlights
- Autonomous driving operations will be conducted as a regular service in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, using May Mobility’s technology.
- Pilot project to be conducted at NTT Central Training Center to create opportunities for stakeholders to experience autonomous technology.
- Aim to strengthen cooperation with various stakeholders to enhance social acceptance and public implementation of autonomous services.
After investing in May Mobility in November 2023, NTT gained exclusive rights to sell the company’s autonomous driving system in Japan. NTT plans to combine May Mobility’s AI-based autonomous driving technology with NTT Group’s communication network technology to optimize services in Japan. By building a track record through long-term operations, the companies aim to develop a sustainable autonomous vehicle business model.
The partnership’s initial focus is on two projects: regular service operations in Nagoya City and an autonomous driving demonstration pilot at the NTT Central Training Center. The Nagoya City initiative will involve regular autonomous vehicle operations along arterial roads with heavy traffic, using vehicles based on Toyota’s minivan, the Sienna. This project aims to validate autonomous driving and enhance passenger experience in urban areas. Meanwhile, the NTT Central Training Center pilot will serve as a demonstration base for May Mobility’s technology, allowing stakeholders to engage with autonomous driving features, including remote monitoring functions.
In the future, NTT and May Mobility will consider providing autonomous driving services with vehicles of various sizes, meeting diverse regional needs. The companies aim to accelerate the deployment of fully autonomous (Level 4) driving services in Japan, building on May Mobility’s driverless operations in North America. Through this collaboration, NTT and May Mobility intend to promote safe and secure autonomous driving services that contribute to addressing social challenges, such as revitalizing local economies and addressing the aging population.
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