#USA #Ann Arbor #May Mobility #AV Technology #Itochu

Introduction

May Mobility, known for its advancements in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, has made a significant move by partnering with ITOCHU Corporation, a prominent name in Japan's sogo shosha network. This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate the global scaling and deployment of driverless operations.

Partnership Details

This collaboration kicks off with BELLSYSTEM24, a company within ITOCHU’s portfolio that specializes in customer experience and business process outsourcing. The partnership allows May Mobility to enhance its service offerings significantly. Utilizing their Tele-assist and Rider Support platforms, May Mobility is poised to deploy thousands of driverless vehicles to serve millions of users effectively.
The Tele-assist platform, powered by May Mobility's advanced Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology, enables remote monitors to guide several vehicles simultaneously, ensuring safe operations without needing a human driver in every vehicle.

Unique Aspects of the Collaboration

What sets this partnership apart is May Mobility’s commitment to innovation. While many companies opt for tele-driving—a method that essentially uses remote drivers to control vehicles—May Mobility emphasizes the utilization of its Tele-assist system to maintain a more efficient and safer operation model. CEO Edwin Olson expresses, "When building a safe autonomy system, it makes no sense to replace the driver behind the wheel with another driver behind the curtain. We created a better way."

The Role of BELLSYSTEM24

BELLSYSTEM24 contributes over four decades of experience in customer support and boasts an advanced operation management system. This expertise will support the integration of May Mobility's platforms into BELLSYSTEM24’s existing framework, which is predicated on the synergy of human resources and cutting-edge technology. With this collaboration, the goal is to streamline the Tele-assist processes while maintaining cost efficiency that can set May Mobility apart in the AV industry.

Strengthening Global Operations

As May Mobility plans to expand its driverless fleet, the partnership with ITOCHU is critical to ensuring a robust support system. The collaboration aims to achieve substantial operational effectiveness and create a seamless experience for both customers and partners. In addition, ITOCHU's extensive geographical data and IT infrastructure will lend support to the scaling process.

A Vision for the Future

The future looks bright for May Mobility, positioned to redefine the Autonomy-as-a-Service (AaaS) landscape and become a leading figure in the industry. Recent contracts, including one with Lyft for deploying autonomous vehicles in the U.S., and plans for integration with Uber, signal rapid growth. ITOCHU will play a pivotal role in supporting these initiatives, helping May Mobility deploy thousands of driverless vehicles not just in the U.S. but also in Japan.

About May Mobility

Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, May Mobility is dedicated to transforming transportation with its AaaS model. The company employs a unique MPDM system that integrates real-time data for robust safety measures. As it operates in diverse environments—from rural areas to bustling cities—May Mobility is reshaping the future of transportation for various demographics.

About ITOCHU

Founded in 1858, ITOCHU Corporation has expanded its operations to encompass a wide variety of sectors, including textiles, machinery, and energy. Its expertise in logistics and management, along with its vast network, will further bolster the initiatives driven by the May Mobility partnership.

Conclusion

With May Mobility partnering with ITOCHU and leveraging BELLSYSTEM24's operational experience, the future of autonomous vehicle deployments looks promising. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but firmly establishes May Mobility as a trailblazer in the autonomous vehicle arena, focusing on safe and scalable solutions for the future of mobility.