Alphabet's self-driving subsidiary, Waymo, announced plans to gather data in Tokyo through test rides starting next week, featuring human drivers. This move signifies the first occasion the company will operate its vehicles on public roads outside the United States. Waymo, headquartered in California, will utilize 25 electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, operated by drivers, to map out key areas of Tokyo and understand local driving conditions better.

Nicole Gavel, Waymo's head of business development and strategic partnerships, emphasized the importance of adapting to Tokyo's unique driving environment. The company has partnered with Japanese taxi company Nihon Kotsu and Go, a taxi-hailing app partially owned by Nihon Kotsu, to conduct vehicle testing and services. Once the initial mapping phase is complete, Waymo intends to progress to autonomous driving tests with a driver present in the vehicle.

Gavel refrained from specifying a timeline for the completion of the initial phase, stating that the focus currently lies on the testing phase. While looking ahead, Waymo envisions establishing a business presence in Tokyo in the long term. The initial testing will cover seven wards in Tokyo, including Minato and Shibuya.