Monet Technologies Set to Launch Self-Driving Mobility Service in Tokyo Waterfront City

In a move set for the latter part of fiscal 2024, MONET Technologies Inc., a collaborative effort involving SoftBank Corp., Toyota Motor Corporation, and other prominent Japanese automotive manufacturers, is gearing up to introduce an autonomous mobility service in Tokyo Waterfront City. The forthcoming service will operate on public roads within the city, utilizing Level 2 self-driving technology. Under this system, the vehicle takes charge of steering, acceleration, and deceleration, with a human driver present in the driver’s seat ready to intervene if necessary.

Initially, MONET Technologies’ autonomous mobility service will deploy two Toyota Sienna minivans to cater to transportation needs in the Ariake, Daiba, and Aomi areas. These districts have been earmarked by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for fostering societal acceptance of autonomous driving initiatives.

As fiscal 2024 progresses, the general public will gain access to on-demand ride reservations through the “MONET” app, free of charge. Each minivan will have the capacity to accommodate up to five passengers, excluding the driver, and operate at speeds of up to 40 kmph. Looking ahead, MONET Technologies envisions enabling passengers to book rides through various ride-hailing apps, expanding the service area and fleet size, and establishing a system for remote monitoring of numerous autonomous vehicles.

Expanding on this foundation, MONET Technologies is committed to ongoing collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other governmental bodies to advance the societal integration of autonomous driving services.

This initiative aligns with a broader trend towards the adoption of autonomous driving technologies in urban environments. By leveraging the expertise of key industry players and engaging with local authorities, MONET Technologies aims to drive innovation in mobility services and contribute to the evolution of transportation systems in Tokyo and beyond.

As the rollout of autonomous mobility services gains momentum, stakeholders across various sectors are closely watching the developments in Tokyo Waterfront City, anticipating the potential impact on urban transportation and the broader landscape of autonomous driving initiatives.