Waymo Robotaxis, Alphabet’s self-driving car division, is bringing its Robotaxi technology to Tokyo in early 2025, the first time its self-driving cars will hit public roads outside the US. This is part of Waymo’s “road trips” program to test its tech in different environments around the world.
Expanding Horizons: Why Tokyo?
Tokyo is a tough nut for Waymo’s self-driving tech. The city’s left-hand driving and crowded streets offer a great opportunity to test its tech. Waymo Robotaxis has tested in US cities like Miami (rainy conditions), Death Valley (heat) and Seattle (urban traffic). Tokyo adds another layer of complexity with its intricate roads and busy streets.
Partnership with Local Experts
To make the transition smooth, Waymo is working with two Japanese partners:
- GO Taxi-Hailing App: Ride-hailing expertise and customer insights.
- Nihon Kotsu Taxi Company: Managing and servicing the Waymo fleet and training drivers to operate its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles.
Initially, Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually map out key areas in Tokyo including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa and Kōto. These maps will be the foundation for future autonomous operations.
Testing Phases
Waymo follows a phased approach. It starts with a small fleet of manual driven vehicles to gather mapping data. Then the cars will switch to autonomous mode with a safety operator on board. This way it’s a slow and controlled rollout, minimizing risks while maximizing learning opportunities.
Competitive Landscape
Waymo’s move comes after General Motors announced it’s terminating its Cruise robotaxi program which included plans to launch a driverless ride-hailing service in Tokyo by 2026. Now Waymo is the only one left to pioneer in Japan’s autonomous mobility space.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Tokyo initiative shows Waymo’s commitment to go global. By tackling Tokyo’s challenges, Waymo wants to prove its tech is versatile and reliable. With partners like GO and Nihon Kotsu, Waymo’s move to Tokyo could be the start of robotaxis in Asia. Waymo goes global!
As the race for autonomous mobility intensifies, Waymo’s foray into Tokyo signals a bold step toward redefining urban transportation on a global scale.
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