ESTsoft Partners with NTT and Nihon Kotsu to Introduce AI Services in Japanese Taxis

ESTsoft's Innovative Partnership in Japan's Taxi Industry

On February 12, 2026, ESTsoft, a leading AI service firm, announced a pivotal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with two industry giants, NTT and Nihon Kotsu. This announcement signifies a significant step forward in integrating advanced AI human services into Japan's transportation network, especially within the taxi sector. The signing event took place at the NTT Media Supply headquarters, attended by key leaders such as Sangwon Chung, the CEO of ESTsoft, and other executives from both partner companies.

This collaboration is rooted in NTT's commitment to enhancing communication for taxi services, particularly focusing on improving the experience for foreign tourists in Japan. A prevalent issue identified through comprehensive surveys conducted by the Japan Tourism Agency highlighted the challenges posed by language barriers faced by visitors navigating through the country. To address this, ESTsoft and its partners are developing AI-driven solutions designed to provide crucial services, such as real-time translation, information about tourist attractions, and restaurant recommendations.

The initiative involves Nihon Kotsu stepping in as the operational partner, enabling a practical platform for validating and scaling the proposed services directly through taxi operations. Together with its Japanese collaborator, Uni Electronics, which is instrumental in local coordination, ESTsoft will spearhead a proof-of-concept (PoC) project using its innovative AI solution, named 'Perso Interactive.' This project is set to run from February 2 to March 27, 2026, with a focus on taxis operating near Kinosaki Onsen Station, a popular area amongst tourists.

During the PoC phase, insights will be gathered from both drivers and passengers to comprehensively evaluate user interactions with Perso Interactive. Collecting feedback on usability and response will be vital for understanding how well the service meets the needs of its users in real-world settings. The ultimate goal is to roll out a comprehensive, tablet-based system that encompasses APIs, SDKs, and hardware, while simultaneously accelerating ESTsoft's global expansion within the tourism sector. The project will initially target the Kansai region before systematically moving to the Kanto region and ultimately expanding nationwide across Japan.

Sangwon Chung emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "This partnership offers a real-world example of how Perso Interactive can significantly enhance the global tourism sector." Furthermore, he announced plans to showcase these advancements at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) in March, aiming to attract further partnerships with global telecommunications entities.

Perso Interactive is already gaining recognition for its innovative approach. Earlier this year, it was highlighted at CES 2026, where ESTsoft demonstrated collaboration with Samsung Electronics, and it was also featured at the Gyeongju APEC summit as a tool for welcoming international guests. Its innovation has been acknowledged by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of their 'AI for Good' initiative.

In South Korea, ESTsoft is also extending its reach through partnerships with Daewoo EC for service integration in residential complexes and continues collaborations with telecommunications provider KT. The adoption of Perso Interactive is experiencing rapid growth in various sectors, including retail, manufacturing sites, and educational institutions like libraries.

The implications of this agreement extend beyond just technological improvement; it represents a holistic approach to enhancing visitor experiences and supports Japan's objectives of improving international tourism. By leveraging sophisticated AI, ESTsoft, NTT, and Nihon Kotsu are setting a new standard for services offered in the taxi industry. As AI continues to reshape industries globally, this partnership could serve as a blueprint for future endeavors in enhancing customer interaction through technology.

Through its advancements in AI, ESTsoft is not only addressing immediate challenges but is also contributing to building a robust foundation for a nationwide AI transformation ecosystem in Japan, which could strengthen competitive business strategies in the long run.