The University of Tokyo Level 4 Autonomous Bus Launches in Kashiwa-no-ha

On January 14, The University of Tokyo Level 4 autonomous bus begins live operations on part of the shuttle route linking the Kashiwa-no-ha campus in Chiba Prefecture with a nearby railway station. This marks the first time a Level 4 self-driving shuttle is running on public roads within the Tokyo metropolitan region.
The project represents a major milestone for Japan’s autonomous mobility ecosystem, as the service allows the bus to operate without human intervention under defined conditions. The pilot route forms part of the regular campus shuttle service used daily by students, staff, and visitors.
How the University of Tokyo Level 4 Autonomous Bus Operates
The The University of Tokyo Level 4 autonomous bus is supported by a cooperative traffic management system that connects directly with traffic signal data. This enables the vehicle to anticipate light changes and adjust its driving behavior in real time, improving safety, ride comfort, and operational reliability in a live urban environment.
Key features of the operating system include:

• Real-time traffic signal communication

• Automated acceleration and braking based on road conditions

• Continuous monitoring for safe autonomous decision-making

These technologies allow the bus to navigate mixed traffic safely while maintaining the strict requirements of Level 4 autonomous driving.
Expansion Plan for the University of Tokyo Level 4 Autonomous Bus Route
The University of Tokyo and its partners will gradually extend the coverage of the The University of Tokyo Level 4 autonomous bus beyond the initial section of the shuttle line. Safety verification will take place at every stage before any new segment is added to the autonomous driving zone.
The project’s two-year roadmap aims to achieve:

• Progressive extension of the autonomous driving area

• Validation of system safety and reliability

• Full Level 4 operation across the entire shuttle route

Once completed, the entire campus-to-station connection will be served by a fully autonomous bus system.
Organizations Behind the University of Tokyo Level 4 Autonomous Bus
The program is being delivered through a multi-institution collaboration that brings together leading academic and industrial partners in Japan’s smart mobility sector. These include:

• The University of Tokyo

• Nagoya University

• National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

• Mitsubishi Research Institute

• Japan Automobile Research Institute

• Advanced Smart Mobility Co. Ltd.

This joint effort combines research, system integration, and real-world deployment expertise to ensure the long-term success of the autonomous bus service.
Vehicle Platform and Autonomous Driving Technology
The The University of Tokyo Level 4 autonomous bus is built on a medium-sized bus platform supplied by Isuzu Motors Limited. The autonomous driving software and control architecture have been developed by Advanced Smart Mobility, enabling the vehicle to perform all driving tasks within its designated operating conditions.
This combination of a proven commercial bus platform and an advanced autonomous driving system ensures both reliability and scalability as the service expands.
By introducing a Level 4 autonomous shuttle into daily campus transportation, the University of Tokyo is setting a new benchmark for urban mobility in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The project demonstrates how advanced driverless technology can be safely integrated into public road networks while supporting future smart city and sustainable transport initiatives.