Waymo will begin testing its self-driving cars in Tokyo next year

Waymo will deploy its self-driving cars in Japan and test its technology in another country for the first time. according to CNBCThe company will begin testing Jaguar I-PACE cars in Tokyo in early 2025, and expects them to remain in the country for an “extended period.” During the vehicles’ trial phase, which will last several quarters, human drivers from Japanese taxi company Nihon Kotsu will operate Waymo’s cars so its technology can map the city. In particular, they drive Waymo’s Jaguar I-PACEs through the streets of Shinjuku, Shibuya and other major areas of Tokyo.

Data collected from those tests will then be used to train the company’s self-driving system. Waymo will also recreate driving conditions in Tokyo on a closed track in the US, where it will test more of its robotaxis, and will use data collected from that effort for training. The company has not yet announced when it will open its rides to the public, but it has already formed a partnership with Japanese taxi app GO, which is supposed to offer driverless rides to users in the future. like CNBC He notes that Japan is keen to offer driverless rides as a transportation option despite the efficiency of its train system due to its aging population. Last year, that It amended its laws To allow level 4 autonomous driving on its roads.

In the United States, Waymo operates its self-driving cars in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It announced several plans to introduce its vehicles to more locations over the past months It raised $5.6 billion To fund its expansion to Austin and Atlanta next year. Waymo will also deploy its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles In Miami in early 2025 and will offer rides to the public in the city sometime in 2026.

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