TIER IV, the trailblazing company behind the world’s first open-source autonomous driving software, has partnered with Nihon Kotsu, Tokyo’s largest taxi operator, to launch an innovative data collection initiative.
Advancing Autonomous Driving Through Data
This groundbreaking project leverages taxis equipped with TIER IV’s advanced data recording system (DRS) to gather real-world driving data. The objective? To refine generative AI models that will enhance the safety, efficiency, and ride experience of autonomous vehicles.
The vast amount of data collected during taxi operations will be shared with key players in the automotive industry. This initiative aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to accelerate the deployment of Level 4 autonomous driving technology, supporting government efforts to advance smart mobility solutions.
A Long-Standing Partnership
TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu have been working together on autonomous driving data collection since 2018, with their collaboration becoming official in July 2024. The company has also been at the forefront of developing robotaxi services, incorporating autonomous driving technology into ride-hailing applications, mapping systems, and operational support centers.
Recently, this initiative secured financial backing from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, which has been actively supporting digital transformation efforts in the mobility sector.
Introducing the Co-MLOps Platform
A key component of this latest project is TIER IV’s Co-MLOps platform. This cutting-edge system is designed to streamline the processing of large-scale driving data, enabling efficient dataset sharing among autonomous driving developers. By fostering collaboration across the industry, this platform seeks to accelerate AI advancements while addressing the limitations of companies working in isolation.
Scaling the Project
The project initially launched with five taxis in February 2025, but plans are in place to scale up operations to around 20 vehicles. These taxis, outfitted with sophisticated sensor systems, will collect data across Greater Tokyo and share insights with various automotive partners.
Unlike previous data collection efforts that relied on TIER IV’s test vehicles, this initiative marks a significant shift by utilizing Nihon Kotsu’s operational taxi fleet.
Future of Autonomous Mobility in Japan
Looking forward, TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu plan to deepen their partnership by initiating pilot tests aimed at deploying robotaxi services across multiple regions in Japan, with a primary focus on Tokyo.
In its initial phase, these services will operate using a mobility hub model, where human drivers will remain present in vehicles for added safety. This approach will not only improve regional accessibility but will also help evaluate the operational structure necessary for a full-scale robotaxi rollout.
As Japan continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven mobility, initiatives like these could play a crucial role in shaping the future of autonomous transportation, setting a benchmark for innovation globally.
