The Tier IV startup in Japan is on track for the release of fully autonomous electric taxis with the help of the Government of Japan. This project involves prototyping, commercial trials in Tokyo by November 2024, and nationwide expansion by 2027. Tier IV is already a global technology leader for open-source software with Autoware, an on-demand mobility software solution.
Project Description: A Japanese startup company, Tier IV, is in the development phase of an autonomous self-driving taxi vehicle in the country. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry supports the study.
Description of the Vehicle: The new vehicle will be a one-box type electric vehicle with a capacity for carrying 4-6 passengers. It will have sensors, a driver’s seat for oversight, and a remote monitoring system.
Prototype Development: Tier IV will work with Toray Carbon Magic to develop a lightweight prototype based on carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.
Commercial Operations: Japan’s first Level 4 self-driving taxi service will start in November 2024 in Tokyo using existing JPN Taxi vehicles retrofitted with autonomous technology.
Service Model: Tier IV self-driving taxis will run in cooperation with established taxi companies, and the service will begin on short-distance routes.
Future Expansion: Tier IV will have, by 2025, an autonomous driving presence in all three locations in Tokyo. The goal is to have the endeavors of more than 100 municipalities for the year 2027.
Open-Source Strategy: Open-sourcing Tier IV’s self-driving software, Autoware, can foster global collaboration to quicken development.
Flexible Business Model: Eventually, Tier IV will move to a flexible business model that goes from software-only to full vehicle packages, targeting both the domestic and international markets.
Overcoming Deficits in Transport: This project’s purpose is to be able to find solutions to places with a problem in transport, to be able to find a countryside without public transport, and in driver shortages.
Global Ambition: Tier IV is looking to position its technology in the global markets. Autoware already has traction in countries like China, the U.S., and Taiwan.
