Japan to Introduce Self-Driving EV Taxis in Tokyo
- Tier IV, an autonomous-driving startup, plans to launch Japanese-made electric robotaxis in Tokyo.
- The project aims to have self-driving EV taxis operating on Tokyo roads by the end of the year.
- The EVs will be controlled by open-source software developed by Tier IV.
A significant step towards the future of transportation has been taken in Japan with the launch of a project aimed at developing autonomous vehicles for self-driving taxis. Tier IV, a startup specializing in autonomous-driving technology, has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to demonstrate its Level 4 self-driving taxi service. Set to commence in November in Odaiba, Tokyo, the service is expected to offer fares comparable to traditional taxis while providing greater flexibility in areas and times with limited public transport options. The initiative marks a pivotal moment for Tier IV, which plans to expand its self-driving taxi operations to three locations in Tokyo by 2025, including central areas like Shinjuku and Minato. This commercial rollout is not only a test of Tier IV's technology but also a strategic move to showcase its autonomous driving systems and solutions to potential partners both domestically and internationally. Companies will have the option to purchase the self-driving taxi system, the complete package including vehicles, or utilize the open-source Autoware platform to develop their own autonomous vehicles. Tier IV's vision extends beyond Japan, with aspirations to provide a comprehensive suite of software, hardware, and solutions to the global market. The company aims to replicate the success of tech giants like Google by establishing itself as a reference model in the autonomous vehicle sector. As the use of Autoware expands internationally, Tier IV is poised to adapt its offerings to meet regional demands, potentially revolutionizing the transportation landscape.