A plan to test and commercialize autonomous taxis in Tokyo has been announced, with Google-affiliated Waymo partnering with GO and Nihon Kotsu. The companies are targeting commercialization in 2027 using Level 4 fully driverless technology.
Details have emerged of a partnership plan for autonomous taxis in Tokyo, with Google-affiliated Waymo, GO and Nihon Kotsu planning to conduct pilot operations. The article describes the planned operating areas and organizational structure for the autonomous taxi service, while the business framework appears to center on joint development by the companies and the establishment of an operating structure.
The plan focuses on pilot operations and commercialization in Tokyo, with technology development and operational preparations proceeding on the assumption of Level 4 fully driverless operation. No specific figures have yet been provided for the formal service launch date or the timing of any expansion of the operating area.
The plan reportedly sets 2027 as the target year for commercialization, with safety and reliability testing through pilot operations to proceed alongside regulatory compliance efforts. Further details on the background to the partnership, capital relationships, and future fleet size and fare structure remain pending in subsequent reports.
The announcement is being positioned as an important step toward the wider adoption of autonomous taxis in Tokyo, and the partnership between Waymo and Nihon Kotsu is expected to improve the feasibility of driverless operations in the Japanese market. The media outlet is expected to continue reporting related information.