Open source autonomous driving software specialist TIER IV and mobility start-up Newmo are partnering to commercialise robotaxi services in Japan.

With Japan’s rapidly ageing population, the Japanese government aims to have autonomous vehicles running in over 100 locations by 2027 to meet regional mobility needs. To this end, it is actively promoting the deployment of commercial robotaxi services in the country.

TIER IV and Newmo will work together to develop autonomous driving systems built around Autoware*2, open-source software for autonomous driving.

TIER IV will continue developing partnerships to accelerate the deployment of robotaxi services across Japan, supporting government efforts to establish autonomous public transit.

Newmo has more than 1,000 taxis in operation and an established Japan-style ride-sharing business in Osaka Prefecture.

“At TIER IV, we have dedicated ourselves to accelerating the deployment of autonomous driving through Autoware, collaborating with communities and partners worldwide,” said Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV. “This new partnership with Newmo, a company actively addressing regional transportation challenges through taxi and ride-hailing services, will advance the development of robotaxi technologies. Through this collaboration, we aim to establish a robotaxi service anchored in Japan and make it an essential part of the mobility infrastructure that supports local communities.”

“As Japan faces increasingly severe transportation challenges driven by demographic shifts, robotaxis will play a pivotal role in shaping next-generation infrastructure,” said Newmo CEO Naoki Aoyagi. “At Newmo, we have leveraged our operational and technological expertise in local taxi and Japan-style ride-sharing services to address mobility issues head-on. By partnering with TIER IV, a company at the forefront of autonomous driving, we are combining our operational know-how with cutting-edge technology to steadily advance the commercialisation of robotaxi services originating in Japan. Together with our stakeholders, we remain committed to fulfilling our mission of ‘A colourful journey with Newmo, unleashing the potential of individuals and communities with new mobility services.'”