Waymo Robotaxis To Hit Tokyo Streets As Global Expansion Takes Off

Waymo Robotaxis Set for Tokyo Launch with Nihan Kotsu and GO Partnership

In a move to expand its autonomous vehicle services globally, Waymo LLC has announced plans to launch its robotaxis in Tokyo, Japan, marking the company’s first international “road trip.” The partnership between Waymo and Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi company, will oversee the management and servicing of the vehicles equipped with Waymo’s cutting-edge autonomous driving system.

The first all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs for Waymo are expected to arrive in Tokyo in early 2025. Initially, Nihon Kotsu drivers will operate the vehicles manually to map key areas of the Japanese capital, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō. This manual operation will allow Waymo’s Driver system to learn and adapt to left-hand traffic and new driving nuances associated with operating in one of the world’s most densely populated urban environments.

The expansion into Japan aligns with the country’s goals to adopt innovative transportation technologies that enhance safety and mobility. By engaging with Japanese policymakers, regulators, and local safety officials, Waymo aims to ensure a responsible and seamless implementation of self-driving cars on Tokyo’s streets. The company is working alongside local partners to understand the new landscape and become a beneficial part of Tokyo’s transportation ecosystem.

Waymo’s successful safety framework guided the company from its first fully autonomous ride on public roads to tens of millions of miles on U.S. roads. The company currently provides over 150,000 trips per week across multiple cities in the United States, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin.

The robotaxi business in the US is growing, albeit slowly. Waymo has approximately 700 vehicles in operation in several cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Phoenix. It also plans to launch a robotaxi service in Atlanta in an exclusive partnership with Uber and is planning to launch in Miami in 2026.

The inclusion of GO, a popular taxi app in Japan, in the strategic partnership could signal Waymo’s intention to put its autonomous vehicles into service through a locally based mobility provider. This move comes at a time when companies are pulling back on costly robotaxi projects. General Motors recently announced that it would no longer fund Cruise and would instead pivot to driver-assist technology and personally owned autonomous vehicles.

Waymo emphasizes its commitment to transparency and caution, with Sandy Karp stating, “We have no plans to serve riders in Tokyo at this time. Rather, 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.”

The launch of Waymo’s robotaxis in Tokyo marks an exciting milestone for the company as it continues to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology. With its cutting-edge system and strategic partnerships, Waymo is poised to revolutionize the way people move around cities worldwide.