Alphabet's autonomous driving arm, Waymo, will begin testing self-driving cars in Tokyo, Japan, next year. The company will partner with Japan's largest taxi operator, Nihon Kotsu, to start testing its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Tokyo.
CNBC reports that Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually operate the vehicles to map out key areas in Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chuo, Shinagawa, and Koto.
The data gathered will then be used to train Waymo's AI systems. The company will also test its robotaxis on a closed course in the US, built to mimic conditions in Japan.
"Our upcoming road trip to Tokyo gives us the chance to work alongside local partners, government officials, and community groups to understand the new landscape," Waymo told CNBC in a statement. Nihon Kotsu has agreed to manage and service the fleet of Waymo vehicles in Japan.
Waymo has partnered with Japan's GO taxi app to offer rides to customers. The company operates cars in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, US, and has raised $5.6 (£4.4 or €5.3) billion to fund its future operations in Austin and Atlanta.
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