FYI: Waymo is setting its sights on Tokyo roads, beginning manual tests of autonomous vehicles in their first international venture.
Waymo Ventures into Tokyo – Commencing on the Streets of Japan
Waymo, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, made a notable splash by hosting a launch event in Japan as it gears up to commence its inaugural international tests. In December, the Google-owned company will initiate manual testing in the bustling city of Tokyo. Officials from Waymo’s local partners, GO, a taxi platform, and Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi service, were present, alongside the Jaguar I-Pace vehicles equipped with advanced sensors including cameras, lidar, and radar systems.
A Glimpse into the Future: Autonomous Mobility in Tokyo
Expressing optimism, Ichiro Kawanabe, Board Director at Nihon Kotsu and Chair of GO, highlighted the safety benefits demonstrated by Waymo in the U.S. "When I first experienced a Waymo autonomous ride in Phoenix, it was remarkable to see the vehicle operate with no one behind the wheel," Kawanabe noted. He emphasized that such advanced technology holds immense promise for Japan, especially given the country’s aging population and labor shortages.
Strategic Collaboration in Tokyo’s Wards
As spring brings new opportunities, taxi operators of Nihon Kotsu will navigate Waymo-equipped vehicles across several key districts in Tokyo, such as Chiyoda, Chūō, and Shibuya, among others. These trials will utilize comprehensive 3D cartography, with seasoned drivers gathering crucial data on traffic laws and road systems, setting the stage for fully autonomous services.
Nicole Gavel Highlights a Historic Milestone
Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s Senior Director and Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, articulated the significance of Waymo’s achievements with its Japanese partners, "This marks a historic milestone as Waymo steps onto international public roads. Our collaboration underscores how our extensive U.S. experience transitions seamlessly into different environments, adhering firmly to our principles of safety and community trust."
Global Competition Intensifies in the Robotaxi Arena
The race in the commercial robotaxi domain is heating up with players like Tesla and Amazon’s Zoox vying for a share alongside Waymo. Notably, Waymo already offers paid autonomous ride services in several U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, adding Tokyo to its impressive international expansion plan.
Waymo’s International Expansion Amid Rising Competition
In contrast, Tesla plans to launch its own robotaxi services soon. The company’s distinct approach, leveraging a camera-only, AI-trained system, sparks ongoing debates. While Waymo relies on a smaller, specialized fleet, Tesla’s model gathers data from a larger driver base, presenting scalability advantages.
A Look Toward the Future of Autonomous Driving
Although Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) is not yet fully autonomous, it promises a robust future. Its system, operational in North America, is expected to debut in international markets soon. In response to Tesla’s advancements, industry voices like former Waymo CEO John Krafcik have critiqued the limited safety measures in Tesla’s current framework, emphasizing the importance of sensor diversity in achieving a secure autonomous environment.
Conclusion
As innovation races forward in the autonomous driving space, Waymo’s foray into Tokyo signifies a strategic expansion that may redefine urban mobility standards on a global scale. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking endeavor.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
