TIER IV Successfully Tests Robotaxi Service in Tokyo Ahead of 2024 Launch

Japanese company TIER IV has completed pilot tests of its autonomous taxi service in Tokyo, demonstrating its readiness for commercial deployment. Learn more about the future of urban mobility.

Japanese company TIER IV has successfully completed pilot tests of its robotaxi service in Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in the development of autonomous urban transportation. The tests were conducted in November 2024 in the Odaiba district and in December in Nishi-Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s major business hubs. The results demonstrated the system’s ability to handle the city’s complex road environment.

The pilot program utilized JPN TAXI vehicles equipped with TIER IV’s advanced self-driving technology. Over 500 different traffic scenarios were tested, including navigating intersections, avoiding obstacles, and adjusting to dynamic traffic flow. For safety reasons, operators could take manual control when necessary, ensuring passenger security at all times.

A crucial aspect of the trials was the expansion of operational design domains (ODD), allowing the system to adapt to new road conditions, such as heavy traffic and intricate infrastructure. The gathered data will help refine the technology ahead of its commercial rollout.

TIER IV plans to launch its robotaxi service in November 2024, initially focusing on areas where traditional taxis struggle to operate efficiently. By 2025, the service is expected to expand across key districts of Tokyo, with full metropolitan coverage projected by 2027. This initiative aligns with Japan’s national strategy for autonomous mobility and benefits from government-backed digital transformation projects.

The company’s self-driving technology is built on the Autoware open-source platform, which provides a flexible foundation for autonomous vehicle solutions. By developing multiple reference designs tailored to different urban conditions, TIER IV has successfully validated its system in real-world Tokyo traffic.

Competition in the autonomous vehicle market is intensifying. Companies like Waymo are expected to enter the Tokyo market in 2025, reflecting the growing interest in robotaxi services in Japan. However, TIER IV aims to establish itself as a leader in the field by leveraging cutting-edge technology and local expertise.

The deployment of robotaxis in Japan is set to revolutionize urban transportation, offering safer, more convenient, and more efficient mobility solutions for city dwellers.

Source: tier4.jp