🚀 Big news if you’re into autonomous vehicles—Waymo’s stepping out of its US comfort zone and heading to Tokyo for some robotaxi action starting April 14. This isn’t your average test run; it’s a deep dive into Tokyo’s chaotic, narrow streets (good luck with that, right?). They’re rolling out 25 electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, but hold your horses—these won’t be zipping around driverless just yet. Nihon Kotsu Co. drivers are tagging along for the ride, keeping things safe while Waymo gets the lay of the land.
đź’° So, why Tokyo? Well, if you’ve ever tried navigating those streets, you know it’s like playing a video game on hard mode. Perfect for putting Waymo’s tech through its paces. The plan? Use those fancy cameras and radars to soak up all the data on how Tokyo drives (hint: very differently from the US). ‘It’s all about getting to know the local quirks,’ says Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s Senior Director. They’re tweaking their software to play nice with Tokyo’s rules and roads. A full-blown commercial service? Maybe someday, but for now, they’re just dipping their toes in the water—driverless tests are still a distant dream.
