Waymo’s Global Leap: Robotaxis Launching Overseas for the First Time
Waymo is Embarking on Its First International Adventure: Tokyo, Here You Come!
Waymo, the self-driving car pioneer, is taking its autonomous vehicle program to the global stage, and Tokyo, Japan is its first international destination. In early 2024, a fleet of Waymo self-driving cars will hit the busy streets of Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion.
In collaboration with Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi operator, and GO, Japan’s popular taxi-hailing app, Waymo will initially outsource the servicing and management of its vehicles to these local partners. A pilot program featuring human-operated Waymo vehicles will be the first step in building a map of key areas in Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō.
Through this experience, Waymo aims to learn and adapt its autonomous vehicle technology to navigate the complex streets of Tokyo, including left-hand traffic and the unique driving habits of the city’s residents.
“This is a significant opportunity for us to work alongside local partners, government officials, and community groups to understand the new landscape,” Waymo states. “We’ll learn how Waymo can serve Tokyo’s residents and become a valuable part of the city’s transportation ecosystem. Every step of the way, we’ll take a rigorous approach to validating our technology’s safety and performance.”
Waymo will engage with Japanese policymakers, regulators, and local safety officials to ensure a responsible and seamless implementation of its technology on Tokyo’s streets. With Japan facing a severe shortage of taxi drivers, this international expansion could be a crucial step in addressing the issue.
Waymo has been testing its self-driving cars in several American cities, including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, and has recently announced plans to expand to Miami. The company also offers paid rides to customers who book its self-driving taxis through a ridesharing app.
As other companies, like General Motors, are scaling back on self-driving technology, Waymo continues to push forward with its ambitious plans. The company’s expansion into Tokyo is a significant step towards realizing its vision of making autonomous vehicles a reality on a global scale.
