Waymo, the self-driving unit of Alphabet, is set to begin data collection in Tokyo next week, marking a significant expansion outside the United States. The company will deploy 25 driver-operated Jaguar I-PACE vehicles which will navigate through seven key wards of the capital including Shibuya and Minato.

This initiative allows Waymo to gather essential data on the local driving environment and traffic patterns, crucial for adapting their autonomous technology for Japanese roads, where driving occurs on the left side. "It's important for us to understand the difference in driving environment, what makes the driving here unique," said Nicole Gavel, Waymo's head of business development. The company is collaborating with Nihon Kotsu, a major taxi firm in Japan, to manage the initial test drives, leveraging experienced drivers to operate the vehicles for data collection.

After completing the mapping phase, Waymo aims for a transition towards autonomous systems with safety drivers present, although a timeline for this next step remains unspecified. As highlighted by Reuters, the focus remains on understanding how Tokyo's unique traffic dynamics will inform future developments.

Nihon Kotsu's president noted the initiative's potential to tackle driver shortages in the region, viewing this project as a foundational step towards integrating advanced driverless technologies in urban settings. Waymo has been proactively preparing its vehicles with necessary adaptations and adhering to local regulations, ensuring compliance as they operate in Tokyo's bustling environment.

The company continues to work on refining its technology in revitalized urban regions, a model that contrasts with other self-driving tech companies that may use different methodologies for map creation and environmental learning, positioning Waymo as a distinctive entity in the autonomous vehicle landscape.

For further details on Waymo’s Tokyo operation, visit Channel News Asia.