Waymo Begins Data Collection in Tokyo with Manual Test Rides

Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving unit, is set to conduct its first international test drive in Tokyo next week, deploying 25 manually-driven vehicles to collect critical road data. In collaboration with local taxi firm Nihon Kotsu, Waymo aims to understand the nuances of Japanese driving, including left-hand traffic and dense urban navigation. The company has emphasized its commitment to safety and community trust as it gathers data across seven central Tokyo wards, including Shinjuku and Shibuya. While Waymo has not confirmed plans for a commercial robotaxi service in Japan, it regards this data collection phase as a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. Domestically, Waymo continues to partner with Uber to enhance its ride-hailing services in U.S. cities like Austin and Atlanta. Additionally, Waymo is collaborating with Hyundai to integrate its technology into future vehicle models.