Quick Takeaways
- Japan MLIT autonomous driving task force aims to accelerate AI-based autonomous vehicle adoption nationwide.
- The initiative focuses on policy clarity, infrastructure integration, and global competitiveness.
On January 22, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) established a new task force to support the early realization of an autonomous driving society. The initiative reflects Japan’s expectation that AI-based autonomous vehicles using artificial intelligence–driven driving pattern learning will advance rapidly.
Policy Direction for AI-Based Autonomous Vehicles
The Japan MLIT autonomous driving task force will examine concrete policy measures required for the widespread adoption of next-generation autonomous driving systems. Discussions will focus on regulatory readiness, safety frameworks, and alignment with evolving AI technologies to ensure smooth commercialization across different vehicle categories.
Linking Autonomous Vehicles With Road Infrastructure
A key theme for the task force is the linkage between autonomous vehicles and road infrastructure. This includes evaluating how digital infrastructure, traffic systems, and road environments can better support self-driving technology and improve operational reliability on both highways and general roads.
Global Context and Demonstration Test Progress
During its first meeting, the task force reviewed the current status of autonomous driving development by Japanese companies, along with ongoing demonstration tests on expressways and public roads. In terms of demonstration testing and commercialization, leading countries include the United States, where Waymo LLC operates unmanned autonomous taxi services in five urban cities.
China has also moved ahead rapidly, with multiple companies such as Baidu Inc., Pony AI Inc., and WeRide Inc. already launching autonomous driving services.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Ministry plans to compile its discussions into an intermediate draft plan, which is scheduled to be announced in early June. The outcomes are expected to play a critical role in shaping Japan’s autonomous driving policy roadmap and strengthening its position in the global self-driving technology landscape.
Policy Direction for AI-Based Autonomous Vehicles
The Japan MLIT autonomous driving task force will examine concrete policy measures required for the widespread adoption of next-generation autonomous driving systems. Discussions will focus on regulatory readiness, safety frameworks, and alignment with evolving AI technologies to ensure smooth commercialization across different vehicle categories.
Linking Autonomous Vehicles With Road Infrastructure
A key theme for the task force is the linkage between autonomous vehicles and road infrastructure. This includes evaluating how digital infrastructure, traffic systems, and road environments can better support self-driving technology and improve operational reliability on both highways and general roads.
Global Context and Demonstration Test Progress
During its first meeting, the task force reviewed the current status of autonomous driving development by Japanese companies, along with ongoing demonstration tests on expressways and public roads. In terms of demonstration testing and commercialization, leading countries include the United States, where Waymo LLC operates unmanned autonomous taxi services in five urban cities.
China has also moved ahead rapidly, with multiple companies such as Baidu Inc., Pony AI Inc., and WeRide Inc. already launching autonomous driving services.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Ministry plans to compile its discussions into an intermediate draft plan, which is scheduled to be announced in early June. The outcomes are expected to play a critical role in shaping Japan’s autonomous driving policy roadmap and strengthening its position in the global self-driving technology landscape.
Company Press Release
Click above to visit the official source.
Share: