Rakuten GORA has launched Japan's first proof-of-concept toward commercialising an autonomous golf cart service. At To-no-Sho Golf Club's 18 holes, it will conduct joint testing with Mitsubishi Electric, AISAN TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. and ESSJ based on actual vehicle operation.
Rakuten GORA, the golf-course booking site operated by Rakuten Group, has launched a pioneering domestic proof-of-concept toward commercialising a service using autonomous golf carts equipped with cameras and sensors. The proof-of-concept will be conducted at a golf course in Japan based on actual play, with Mitsubishi Electric, AISAN TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. and Energy System Services Japan working together to verify safety.
At all 18 holes of To-no-Sho Golf Club in To-no-Sho, Chiba Prefecture, the cart is expected to drive autonomously from the cart storage area, past the clubhouse, and along the cart paths, carrying golfers and completing the process from autonomous driving through play. The autonomous-driving system combines cameras, LiDAR, GPS and multiple sensors, enabling the cart to follow designated routes with an error of several centimetres.
The proof-of-concept will continue from 2 October 2026 at To-no-Sho Golf Club, with Rakuten Group, Mitsubishi Electric, AISAN TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. and ESSJ as the participating entities. The autonomous cart measures 3,540 mm in length, 1,300 mm in width and 1,850 mm in height, with a maximum speed of 19 km/h.
The technology is expected to improve safety and convenience through features including driving onto fairways, collision-prevention functionality and multiple route settings. Further functional enhancements and software development are expected going forward.