YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — A van smoothly navigates the city streets, reacting calmly when a car veers into its lane. Surprisingly, the steering wheel turns on its own, and there is no one in the driver’s seat. This driverless technology from Nissan Motor Corp. utilizes 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors placed in and around the vehicle, showcasing Japan’s determination to catch up with industry leaders such as Google’s Waymo in the U.S.
Despite being home to the world’s top automakers, Japan has lagged behind in the global push towards autonomous driving, a field predominantly led by China and the U.S. However, progress is on the horizon as Waymo is set to enter Japan this year. While specifics are yet to be revealed, a partnership with major cab company Nihon Kotsu has been established. They will oversee and manage their fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE sport-utility vehicles in the Tokyo area, with a human cab driver present as well.
During a demonstration by Nissan, the vehicle maneuvered through busy streets, adhering to the maximum speed limit of 40 kph (25 mph) with its destination set via a smartphone app. Takeshi Kimura, an engineer at Nissan, emphasized the advantage of automakers in integrating self-driving technology with vehicles due to their deep understanding of cars. Nissan’s current technology, tested on the Serena minivan, operates at Level Two, with a person monitoring from a remote-control panel outside the vehicle and a human in the front passenger seat ready to take over if needed.
Nissan plans to have 20 such vehicles operating in Yokohama in the next few years, aiming to achieve Level Four autonomy by 2029 or 2030 where no human intervention is required. With Japan’s declining population and driver shortage, autonomous vehicles could address a pressing need. Various companies, including startups like Tier IV, are actively developing autonomous driving technology in Japan.
While progress has been steady, challenges persist, as noted by University of Tokyo Professor Takeo Igarashi, who highlights the public’s greater apprehension towards accidents involving driverless vehicles compared to traditional crashes. Toyota Motor Corp. is also investing in a dedicated “city” near Mount Fuji to test various technologies, including autonomous driving, demonstrating a continued commitment to innovation in the industry.
Igarashi emphasized the importance of clearly defined responsibility in autonomous driving technology, noting the high expectations for flawless service in Japan. Customers demand perfection in all aspects of commercial services, including restaurants and transportation, such as self-driving vehicles. Nissan asserts the safety of its technology, highlighting the advantage of the car’s ability to monitor surroundings simultaneously with its sensors. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing rare and hazardous scenarios known as “edge cases.” Professor Phil Koopman foresees a gradual and city-specific deployment of autonomous vehicle technology, necessitating ongoing engineering efforts and the establishment of remote support centers. The process of learning and adapting to edge cases will require time and experience, rather than relying on a quick fix.
