Waymo, the self-driving division of Alphabet, has announced plans to expand its autonomous vehicle services beyond the U.S. The company revealed on Monday that it will begin testing its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Tokyo, Japan, in early 2025.
This will mark the first international deployment of Waymo’s robotaxis, following the expansion of its driverless ride-hailing service in the U.S.
The initial phase of the project will involve manual operation of the vehicles to map out key areas in Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō.
こんにちは(Konnichiwa) and hello, Japan! We’re thrilled to announce that Waymo, in partnership with @Nihonkotsu_Taxi and @go_goesnext, will bring our autonomous vehicles to Tokyo for our first international road trip. Read more: https://t.co/6xnurQuiSP pic.twitter.com/jIsIa7h8Wj
— Waymo (@Waymo) December 17, 2024
Waymo is partnering with Nihon Kotsu, Japan’s largest taxi company, which will manage and service the vehicles. The U.S.-based company is also collaborating with Nihon Kotsu to train staff on the operation of autonomous vehicles.
Waymo’s expansion into Japan is aligned with the country’s transportation goals. “This expansion into Japan aligns with the country’s vision for the future of transportation,” the company stated in a press release. “Over the years, the Japanese National and Tokyo Metropolitan governments have been proactively working to address the evolving transportation needs of society and foster the adoption of innovative technologies that can enhance safety and mobility.”
As part of its operations in Japan, Waymo will need to adapt to left-hand driving and the unique challenges presented by Tokyo’s densely populated urban environment. The company is working closely with Japanese regulators and safety officials to ensure the responsible integration of its autonomous vehicles into the city’s streets.
