This significant step marks a new chapter for the California-based autonomous driving pioneer. Waymo will deploy a fleet of 25 specially equipped electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to meticulously map key areas within Tokyo. The primary goal of this initial phase is to gather comprehensive data and gain crucial insights into the unique aspects of the local driving environment, including Japan's specific road infrastructure, traffic regulations, and distinct driving patterns compared to its US operations.
"It’s important for us to understand the difference in driving environment, what makes the driving here unique," explained Nicole Gavel, Waymo's head of business development and strategic partnerships, during a press event in Tokyo. Understanding factors like Tokyo's complex network of narrower streets, different signage conventions, dense pedestrian traffic, and specific traffic flow dynamics is critical before deploying autonomous systems.
To facilitate this entry into the Japanese market, Waymo is collaborating closely with established local players. The testing operations and vehicle servicing will be conducted in cooperation with Nihon Kotsu, a prominent Japanese taxi company, and Go Inc., which operates a popular mobile app for ride-hailing and is partly owned by Nihon Kotsu. This partnership leverages local expertise and infrastructure, potentially smoothing Waymo's integration into the complex Tokyo transportation ecosystem.
Waymo outlined a phased approach for its Tokyo activities. Following the successful completion of this initial data collection and mapping phase, the company intends to progress to the next stage: testing its autonomous driving technology with human safety drivers remaining behind the wheel. However, Ms. Gavel prudently declined to provide a specific timeline for concluding the initial mapping phase.
“We’re just starting with the testing so that’s where we’re focused,” she stated, emphasizing the company's methodical approach. Despite the focus on current testing, Gavel acknowledged the company's future ambitions in the city: “Longer term, obviously, we would love to have a business here in Tokyo.”
The initial testing routes will cover central and commercially significant areas within the metropolis. Waymo specified that its operations will initially concentrate on seven Tokyo wards, including the bustling districts of Minato and Shibuya, known for their complex traffic scenarios and high density. This targeted approach will allow Waymo to gather rich data from challenging urban environments as it evaluates the potential for its autonomous technology in one of the world's largest and most intricate cities.