In the bustling city of Yokohama, Japan, a van navigates the streets without a driver, gently applying brakes as other vehicles invade its path. Its steering wheel moves unaided thanks to Nissan Motor Corp.’s advanced driverless technology. This innovation, featuring 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors, reflects Japan’s determination to close the gap in autonomous driving technology with frontrunners like Google’s Waymo, which set the pace in the United States.
Japan, renowned for producing some of the world’s top automotive brands, is gradually catching up as it embraces autonomous driving technology. Waymo plans to introduce its services to Japan this year in collaboration with major taxi company Nihon Kotsu. This venture will utilize fully electric Jaguar I-PACE SUVs in Tokyo, initially with human drivers accompanying the rides.
In Nissan’s recent demonstration, the autonomous vehicle maneuvered through busy streets filled with cars and pedestrians, maintaining a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour). Directions were set through a smartphone application, showcasing seamless integration. Takeshi Kimura, an engineer at Nissan’s Mobility and AI Laboratory, emphasized the advantage automakers have by embedding self-driving tech within the comprehensive system of a vehicle, capitalizing on their extensive knowledge of vehicular mechanics.
Currently, Nissan’s autonomous system is being tested with its Serena minivan, classified as a Level Two technology. This requires remote monitoring from Nissan’s headquarters, where an operator can assume control if necessary. During demonstrations, a human sits in the front passenger seat, ready to take over in emergencies. The ultimate goal is to achieve a Level Four status by 2029 or 2030, at which point no human oversight will be necessary.
The significance of autonomous vehicles in Japan’s future becomes evident against the backdrop of its declining population and consequent driver shortages. Numerous entities in Japan are investing in this technology, including startups like Tier IV, which advocates for an open-source approach to autonomous driving.
Currently, Japan permits Level Four autonomous vehicles in rural areas like Fukui Prefecture, reminiscent of oversized golf carts, and limited deployment of a Level Four bus near Tokyo’s Haneda airport. However, these operate at modest speeds of 12 kmph (7.5 mph), unlike Nissan’s robust autonomous car capable of full vehicular speed.
Toyota Motor Corp. has embarked on an ambitious project near Mount Fuji, developing a prototype city to test various technologies, including autonomous vehicles.
Progress remains cautious, as highlighted by University of Tokyo Professor Takeo Igarashi, an expert in computer and information technology. He points out societal apprehensions about accidents involving driverless vehicles, which typically garner more concern than human-operated mishaps. In Japan, expectations for commercial success are exceedingly high, leaving no room for errors in this emerging sector.
Nissan underscores the safety of their technology, highlighting its superior ability to monitor surroundings comprehensively using multiple sensors. During demonstrations, a system mishap led to a seamless halting of the vehicle, ensuring safety without incident.
Phil Koopman, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, underscores the nascent stage of the autonomous vehicle industry. He stresses the importance of addressing “edge cases,” uncommon yet potentially hazardous situations unforeseen by current programming. Koopman predicts that tailored engineering solutions and remote support centers will be necessary in each city, extending the deployment of autonomous vehicles over several years.
As the field advances, Koopman remarks, “There is no magic switch,” emphasizing the industry’s ongoing journey in refining autonomous driving systems.
