Waymo and Toyota Announce Plans for Robotaxi Trials in Japan

Autonomous driving service provider Waymo and global automotive giant Toyota have jointly announced new plans to test robotaxis in Japan.

Following an initial memorandum of understanding signed in April 2025, the two companies aim to introduce autonomous, driverless versions of Toyota's bZ4X electric vehicle on Japanese roads from 2027.

Direct Integration of Technology at the Factory

Toyota will manufacture the all-electric bZ4X vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Waymo's Level 4 autonomous driving technology will be integrated directly into the vehicles on the assembly line during production.

Integrating the technology during manufacturing will reduce the need for separate installation of hardware and sensors after production. This is expected to play a major role in the rapid and large-scale commercial expansion of driverless technology. The two companies said their combined technological capabilities and experience would help expand safe, autonomous commercial driving services internationally.

UK Market to Follow Japan

Following successful trials in Japan, Waymo plans to gradually introduce its specialised fleet in the UK and other markets where right-hand-drive vehicles, with the steering wheel and driver's seat on the right, are used.

The company has already been testing driverless taxis based on the Jaguar I-Pace model in Japan and has been conducting software training through the country's local taxi service provider, Nihon Kotsu. Although Waymo plans to launch commercial autonomous ride-hailing services in Tokyo next year, it has not yet clarified exactly when the factory-produced bZ4X vehicles will begin serving ordinary passengers.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//