In the bustling city of Yokohama, Japan, a van navigates the streets autonomously, employing Nissan Motor Corp.’s advanced driverless technology. This innovation leverages a system of 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors, enabling the vehicle to operate without a driver at the wheel. The scene underscores Japan’s determination to catch up with leaders in the autonomous vehicle race, notably Google’s Waymo in the United States.
Japan, home to numerous top-tier automotive brands, has thus far lagged behind in embracing this global shift toward self-driving cars—a movement predominantly spearheaded by companies in China and the U.S. However, signs indicate a burgeoning momentum within Japan. Waymo plans to enter the Japanese market this year, partnering with cab company Nihon Kotsu. Initially, Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles will operate in Tokyo with human drivers on board to oversee operations.
During Nissan’s demonstration, their autonomous vehicle successfully maneuvered through traffic, adhering to the area’s 40 km/h (25 mph) speed limit, with routes predetermined by a smartphone app. According to Takeshi Kimura, an engineer at Nissan’s Mobility and AI Laboratory, the automaker’s expertise in integrating autonomous technology with a car’s mechanics is a pivotal advantage. The comprehensive understanding of the entire vehicle system is crucial for adapting and monitoring sensors to ensure safety and reliability.
The current testing phase of Nissan’s Serena minivan is classified at Level Two for autonomous driving. As required by industry standards, a remote-control operator stands by at Nissan’s headquarters to intervene if a system malfunction occurs. Additionally, a human co-pilot is present in the vehicle’s passenger seat to take control if necessary. Despite their readiness, these human monitors generally remain passive unless an issue arises.
Nissan has ambitious plans to deploy 20 autonomous vehicles in the Yokohama area within the next few years, aiming to reach Level Four autonomy—eliminating the need for human intervention—by 2029 or 2030. This evolution in transportation technology addresses pressing societal needs in Japan, such as an aging population and a declining number of available drivers.
Other companies, including innovative startups like Tier IV, are actively working on autonomous driving advancements within Japan. Currently, Level Four autonomous vehicle tests are approved in confined spaces, such as a rural region in Fukui Prefecture, though these vehicles resemble golf carts more than traditional cars. Conversely, a Level Four bus is undergoing trials near Tokyo’s Haneda airport, albeit at a slow maximum speed of 12 km/h (7.5 mph). Nissan’s autonomous system, however, pushes the envelope with capabilities fitting for typical driving conditions and speeds.
Toyota Motor Corp. has also made strides in this technology domain by developing a dedicated test “city” near Mount Fuji. This experimental environment is designed for Toyota’s employees and collaboration with tech startups, ultimately facilitating various technological innovations, including autonomous vehicles.
While advancements continue, the growth of Japan’s autonomous vehicle industry is marked by careful, deliberate steps. University of Tokyo Professor Takeo Igarashi highlights the psychological barrier to widespread acceptance, as public awareness of driverless cars amplifies fears of potential accidents. In Japan, high expectations for service quality mean any failure in autonomous services might not be easily forgiven.
Nissan maintains that its sensor-aided technology provides safety benefits by offering comprehensive monitoring of all vehicle surroundings, an advantage no human driver can replicate. During demonstration hiccups, automated safety protocols ensure the vehicle comes to a safe stop.
According to Phil Koopman, a professor specializing in electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, the autonomous driving sector is still in its infancy. He emphasizes the need for extensive data gathered by active fleets to address rare but hazardous edge cases the technology may encounter. This evolution will necessitate targeted engineering solutions and support services customized for each city’s unique demands, implying a slow and steady proliferation of driverless technology on a global scale.