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Waymo has announced its first international road trip, partnering with Nihon Kotsu and GO to bring autonomous vehicles to Tokyo. The initiative will focus on adapting Waymo’s autonomous driving system to left-hand traffic and the unique urban environment of Tokyo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
Key Highlights
- Partnership: Collaboration with Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi company, and GO.
- Timeline: Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs will arrive in Tokyo in early 2025.
- Initial Phase: Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually operate vehicles to map key areas of Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō.
- Objective: Learn local driving nuances, validate safety performance, and integrate into Tokyo’s transportation ecosystem.
- Collaboration: Engagement with local policymakers, regulators, and safety officials for seamless implementation.
This initiative aligns with Japan’s forward-thinking approach to transportation, as the country actively fosters technologies that enhance safety and mobility. Over the years, both the Japanese National and Tokyo Metropolitan governments have prioritized innovative solutions to address evolving transportation needs.
Waymo’s collaboration with Nihon Kotsu is pivotal, as the taxi company will oversee vehicle management, servicing, and team training for the Waymo-equipped autonomous driving system. Initially, manual mapping will allow Waymo to better understand Tokyo’s dynamic urban landscape and further train its AI-powered Waymo Driver.
“This expansion follows Waymo’s best-in-class safety framework—the same approach that guided us from the world’s first fully autonomous ride on public roads to tens of millions of miles on US roads, and soon, our first kilometers in Tokyo.”
By working closely with local partners, officials, and community groups, Waymo aims to ensure its autonomous technology integrates seamlessly into Tokyo’s existing infrastructure. The company remains committed to rigorous safety validation and technology performance at every step.
This international road trip marks a significant milestone for Waymo, offering valuable insights into how its autonomous system generalizes to new environments. With a focus on safety, collaboration, and innovation, Waymo’s expansion into Tokyo is a key step toward transforming urban transportation globally.
Updates on progress will be shared as Waymo introduces its technology to Tokyo residents.
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