TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu Join Forces to Advance Autonomous Driving AI with Innovative Data Collection
In a groundbreaking collaboration, TIER IV, renowned for developing the world's first open-source software for autonomous driving, and Nihon Kotsu, the largest taxi operator in Tokyo, have officially launched a new project to collect extensive driving data. This initiative aims to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities for self-driving vehicles, focusing on improving safety and ride quality for users. The joint project commenced in February 2025 and capitalizes on TIER IV's advanced data recording system (DRS) integrated into Nihon Kotsu taxis.
Autonomous driving technology relies heavily on data to train AI systems that guide vehicles in real-world environments. By leveraging the large-scale data gathered from taxi operations, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu plan to generate optimized datasets that can significantly advance the development of Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, as encouraged by Japanese government policies. This initiative also aligns with ongoing digital transformation efforts in Japan's mobility sector.
Historically, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu have been in partnership since November 2018, focusing on experimental data collection for autonomous driving. In July 2024, they formalized this collaboration with the aim of expanding their efforts in this innovative field. Notably, TIER IV’s advancements with robotaxi technology, including proof of concept trials for ride-hailing apps and mapping technologies, have captured the attention and support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
A standout feature of the new data collection initiative is TIER IV's Co-MLOps platform, which is essential for generating high-quality datasets from the driving data amassed during taxi operations. This platform promotes the efficient sharing of data between developers of autonomous driving systems, which is critical in tackling the challenges typically faced by individual companies working independently. By fostering collaboration and mutual support within the automotive industry, the platform paves the way for rapid AI innovation and development of safer autonomous vehicles.
Starting with five taxis equipped with DRS, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu anticipate expanding the fleet to approximately 20 vehicles as the project progresses. These taxis, outfitted with advanced sensor systems vital for developing autonomous AI, will traverse the Greater Tokyo area, enabling the collection of diverse driving data crucial for this research.
The ongoing partnership between TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu aims to deepen their commitment to accelerating robotaxi services in Japan. Drawing on insights obtained from earlier tests initiated in November 2024, the companies plan to design Level 4 autonomous vehicles and introduce services in various regions, with Tokyo as a focal point. In the pilot phase, the robotaxi services will operate under a mobility hub model, employing drivers who will remain at the wheel to ensure safety while the technology is being refined.
This approach not only aims to enhance regional mobility by improving accessibility but also serves as a critical trial to assess operational frameworks for future robotaxi deployments. Insights gained from these evaluations will be compiled into a TIER IV reference design, providing a crucial blueprint for other companies looking to enter the autonomous driving market while directly supporting national digital transformation objectives.
TIER IV is a key player in deep tech innovation, known for its Autoware platform, which enables comprehensive solutions for autonomous driving across various domains, ranging from software development to service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV is dedicated to changing the landscape of intelligent vehicles through open-source software.
Nihon Kotsu, founded in April 1928, is pivotal in Tokyo’s transportation system, providing reliable taxi and limousine services. Under the leadership of President Yasuharu Wakabayashi, it has evolved to incorporate advanced technologies to improve service quality and efficiency.
The partnership between these two institutions marks a significant step toward a future where autonomous vehicles can operate safely and effectively within urban environments, benefiting both residents and the broader community.
For further information about their collaborative efforts, visit the official websites of TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu.
The Importance of Data in Autonomous Driving
Autonomous driving technology relies heavily on data to train AI systems that guide vehicles in real-world environments. By leveraging the large-scale data gathered from taxi operations, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu plan to generate optimized datasets that can significantly advance the development of Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, as encouraged by Japanese government policies. This initiative also aligns with ongoing digital transformation efforts in Japan's mobility sector.
Historically, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu have been in partnership since November 2018, focusing on experimental data collection for autonomous driving. In July 2024, they formalized this collaboration with the aim of expanding their efforts in this innovative field. Notably, TIER IV’s advancements with robotaxi technology, including proof of concept trials for ride-hailing apps and mapping technologies, have captured the attention and support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
The Role of Co-MLOps Platform
A standout feature of the new data collection initiative is TIER IV's Co-MLOps platform, which is essential for generating high-quality datasets from the driving data amassed during taxi operations. This platform promotes the efficient sharing of data between developers of autonomous driving systems, which is critical in tackling the challenges typically faced by individual companies working independently. By fostering collaboration and mutual support within the automotive industry, the platform paves the way for rapid AI innovation and development of safer autonomous vehicles.
Starting with five taxis equipped with DRS, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu anticipate expanding the fleet to approximately 20 vehicles as the project progresses. These taxis, outfitted with advanced sensor systems vital for developing autonomous AI, will traverse the Greater Tokyo area, enabling the collection of diverse driving data crucial for this research.
Future Plans for Robotaxi Services
The ongoing partnership between TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu aims to deepen their commitment to accelerating robotaxi services in Japan. Drawing on insights obtained from earlier tests initiated in November 2024, the companies plan to design Level 4 autonomous vehicles and introduce services in various regions, with Tokyo as a focal point. In the pilot phase, the robotaxi services will operate under a mobility hub model, employing drivers who will remain at the wheel to ensure safety while the technology is being refined.
This approach not only aims to enhance regional mobility by improving accessibility but also serves as a critical trial to assess operational frameworks for future robotaxi deployments. Insights gained from these evaluations will be compiled into a TIER IV reference design, providing a crucial blueprint for other companies looking to enter the autonomous driving market while directly supporting national digital transformation objectives.
About TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu
TIER IV is a key player in deep tech innovation, known for its Autoware platform, which enables comprehensive solutions for autonomous driving across various domains, ranging from software development to service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV is dedicated to changing the landscape of intelligent vehicles through open-source software.
Nihon Kotsu, founded in April 1928, is pivotal in Tokyo’s transportation system, providing reliable taxi and limousine services. Under the leadership of President Yasuharu Wakabayashi, it has evolved to incorporate advanced technologies to improve service quality and efficiency.
The partnership between these two institutions marks a significant step toward a future where autonomous vehicles can operate safely and effectively within urban environments, benefiting both residents and the broader community.
For further information about their collaborative efforts, visit the official websites of TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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