Autonomous driving takes a step forward as Waymo begins testing its self-driving cars in Tokyo, aiming to reshape transportation in Japan.
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| Waymo to test driverless cars in Tokyo in 2025, marking its first expansion into Japan with its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.Waymo to test driverless cars in Tokyo in 2025, marking its first expansion into Japan with its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. Image: Waymo |
Mountain View, California, USA - December 17, 2024:
Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has announced plans to begin testing its driverless cars in Tokyo early next year, marking its first foray into Japan and a new milestone in its global expansion. The tests will feature Waymo's Jaguar I-PACE vehicles and involve collaboration with Nihon Kotsu, a Japanese taxi company, whose drivers will initially operate the cars to help map the city.
The experimental phase, expected to last several quarters, will focus on Tokyo's major districts, including Shinjuku and Shibuya. Data collected during these tests will train Waymo’s self-driving system. To complement this effort, the company will recreate Tokyo’s driving conditions on a closed course in the United States for additional testing and refinement of its technology.
Waymo has also partnered with Japan's GO taxi app, hinting at future plans to offer autonomous rides to the public. While no launch date for public services has been announced, Japan’s recent legalization of level 4 autonomous driving and its aging population make it an attractive market for driverless transportation solutions.
In the U.S., Waymo continues to expand its operations beyond Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. With $5.6 billion in funding, the company plans to introduce driverless services in Austin and Atlanta next year, and Miami by 2026.
As Waymo ventures into Japan, its advancements signal a growing momentum toward making autonomous rides a reality worldwide.