Alphabet’s self-driving division Waymo said Thursday it will begin testing its vehicles on public roads in Tokyo next week, marking the company’s first such effort outside the United States. The company will deploy 25 electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, operated by human drivers, to collect data and map parts of the city.
“It’s important for us to understand the difference in driving environment, what makes the driving here unique,” said Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s head of business development and strategic partnerships, during a media event in Tokyo.
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The trial will initially cover seven Tokyo wards, including Minato and Shibuya, as Waymo looks to adapt its autonomous driving system to Japan’s unique urban conditions. The company is working in partnership with local taxi firm Nihon Kotsu and Go, a ride-hailing app partially owned by the taxi company.
After completing the initial phase, Waymo aims to progress to autonomous driving tests with a safety driver behind the wheel. Gavel declined to give a specific timeline for the next phase but added, “We’re just starting with the testing so that’s where we’re focused. Longer term, obviously, we would love to have a business here in Tokyo.”
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