Tier IV, a company pioneering the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, has successfully completed a series of robotaxi pilot tests in Tokyo, Japan. These tests, conducted as part of a phased strategy toward commercialization, took place in two key areas—Odaiba in November 2024 and Nishi-Shinjuku in December 2024.
This achievement represents a major step forward in integrating autonomous taxis into Japan’s urban transport system. The tests follow Tier IV’s selection in August 2024 for a government-backed initiative led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which aims to accelerate digital transformation in mobility.
Key Objectives and Achievements
During the trials, Tier IV focused on adapting and expanding existing Operational Design Domains (ODDs) to allow its autonomous taxis to function in new and complex traffic environments. The trials also included technical evaluations essential for broader deployment across Japan’s cities.
The pilot program featured JPN Taxi vehicles outfitted with Tier IV’s autonomous driving system, navigating through around 500 challenging traffic scenarios in Odaiba and Nishi-Shinjuku. These included complex maneuvers such as making right and left turns at intersections and safely avoiding parked vehicles. A critical aspect of the tests was ensuring a safety-first approach—human operators could take manual control whenever the driving conditions exceeded the predefined ODDs. The results showed promising adaptability in high-traffic conditions while identifying technical challenges that need to be addressed for a more extensive rollout.
Passenger Experience and Public Engagement
In Odaiba, passengers could interact with the robotaxi by using voice commands to set their destination. The vehicle autonomously navigated around Tokyo Teleport Station, covering an average ride distance of approximately 3 km, with a total cumulative driving distance reaching around 354 km. After each ride, users provided feedback through surveys to help improve service quality and enhance the overall experience.
The test in Nishi-Shinjuku, an area known for its high pedestrian and vehicle density, offered a ride-hailing app that allowed passengers to select from seven designated destinations. The robotaxi followed predefined routes, safely maneuvering through heavy traffic. Tier IV also collaborated with the Shinjuku Subcenter Area Environmental Improvement Committee and other local stakeholders to explore ways to scale up robotaxi operations in the district. The Nishi-Shinjuku trial was conducted with the support of the subsidy from the Shinjuku Station West Exit Area Parking Region Rules Operation Council. Across all test rides in the area, the autonomous taxis covered a total of 622 km, with each ride averaging around 3 km.
Looking Ahead
Tier IV plans to integrate insights from these pilot tests into a comprehensive reference design for robotaxis, which will be shared with key industry players. The goal is to lower entry barriers for automakers interested in developing autonomous ride-hailing vehicles, enabling faster adoption of robotaxi services.
By 2027, the company aims to establish a streamlined service model capable of launching robotaxi operations within three months in selected regions. This model is expected to accelerate the nationwide deployment of autonomous taxis, ultimately transforming the mobility landscape in Japan.
With continued technological advancements and collaboration with industry stakeholders, Tier IV’s robotaxi initiative could soon become a common sight on Japan’s roads, offering a new era of smart and efficient urban transportation.
