news 
Waymo is sending autonomous vehicles to Japan for first international tests
Alphabet’s self-driving subsidiary Waymo has announced it will be sending its autonomous vehicles to Tokyo, Japan for the first-ever international deployment of their technology. The project marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion and could potentially pave the way for future robotaxi services in other countries.
According to reports, Waymo is partnering with local taxi fleet operator Nihon Kotsu to conduct the tests on public roads in Tokyo. The company has not revealed any specific details about the scope or timeline of the project, but it’s been reported that approximately 25 vehicles will be sent to the country in early 2025.
In a statement, Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp emphasized that this test deployment is solely for collecting data and learning about the local environment. “We’re bringing our technology to learn and understand how Waymo fits into the existing transportation landscape and learning how to best partner with local officials and communities,” Karp said.
The company has not ruled out the possibility of launching a robotaxi service in Tokyo in the future, but for now, it seems that this test is focused on gathering data and understanding the unique challenges posed by Japan’s left-hand traffic and dense urban environment.
It’s worth noting that Waymo’s decision to enter the Japanese market comes at a time when other companies are pulling back on their autonomous vehicle projects due to financial concerns. General Motors recently announced it would be ceasing funding for its self-driving subsidiary Cruise, instead focusing on driver-assist technology and personally owned autonomous vehicles.
Waymo’s expansion into Japan may signal an intention to adapt its business model or explore new partnerships in the country.
Source: www.theverge.com
