Waymo will start testing its self-driving taxis in Tokyo next week

Engadget - Apr 12th, 2025

Waymo, the self-driving technology company, is set to test its robotaxi technology outside the US for the first time, beginning April 14 in Tokyo, Japan. The company will deploy 25 Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles, equipped with cameras and radars, to collect data on local road conditions and driving patterns. During this initial phase, drivers from Tokyo taxi company Nihon Kotsu Co. will manually operate the vehicles across various wards in the city. This phase focuses on understanding Tokyo's unique driving environment, which features narrower roads compared to the US, to adapt Waymo's software for local conditions.

The significance of this development lies in Waymo's strategic move to expand its autonomous vehicle technology into international markets, starting with Tokyo. This initiative marks a critical step for Waymo as it aims to gather essential data for tailoring its autonomous driving systems to diverse driving environments. Although the company is currently focused on testing, Waymo's Senior Director, Nicole Gavel, expressed a future interest in establishing a business presence in Tokyo. However, this venture remains distant, as the company must first conduct extensive testing phases, including autonomous driving tests with and without a driver, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in Japan.

Autonomous Vehicles Waymo Tokyo Robotaxi Nihon Kotsu Co. Jaguar I Pace Nicole Gavel

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Waymo's plans to test its robotaxi technology in Tokyo, marking its first international deployment. It accurately reports key facts, supported by credible sources, but could benefit from more diverse perspectives and detailed analysis of potential challenges. The article is well-written and accessible to a general audience, though it lacks depth in exploring controversial aspects or broader implications for Tokyo's transportation landscape. Overall, it serves as a solid introduction to Waymo's initiative but leaves room for further exploration of the topic's complexities and stakeholder viewpoints.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports that Waymo is beginning its robotaxi testing in Tokyo, which is corroborated by multiple sources. The claim about deploying 25 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles is directly supported by the cited sources. The article accurately states that drivers from Nihon Kotsu Co. will operate the vehicles initially, aligning with the information from the sources. However, the article could improve by providing more specific details about the timeline for future testing phases and the exact wards in Tokyo where testing will occur, as these details are less emphasized in the story.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view of Waymo's testing initiative by including both the company's plans and the challenges it faces in adapting to Tokyo's driving environment. However, the article primarily presents Waymo's perspective and lacks input from local stakeholders or potential competitors. Including viewpoints from Tokyo's transportation authorities or residents could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the impact and reception of Waymo's testing in the city.

Clarity

The article is clear and concise, effectively communicating Waymo's testing plans and the rationale behind them. The structure is logical, with a straightforward presentation of facts and quotes. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context on why Tokyo was chosen as the testing location and the specific challenges Waymo anticipates facing.

Source quality

The article references credible sources, such as Yomiuri Shimbun and statements from Waymo's Senior Director, Nicole Gavel. These sources provide reliable information about Waymo's plans and operations. However, the article could enhance its source quality by including more diverse viewpoints, such as comments from Tokyo's local government or transportation experts, to provide a broader perspective on the initiative.

Transparency

The article is somewhat transparent in its reporting, providing direct quotes from Waymo's Senior Director and citing Yomiuri Shimbun. However, it lacks detailed information on the methods used to collect data or how Waymo plans to address the unique challenges of Tokyo's driving environment. Greater transparency about the data collection process and potential adjustments to Waymo's technology would enhance the article's credibility.