Mitsubishi: common PoC for large autonomous buses

Isuzu Motors Limited

Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi Corporation

Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd.

Common PoC for large autonomous buses

Isuzu Motors Limited (Isuzu), Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. (NNR) and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) are pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement to jointly undertake a proof-of-concept (PoC) pilot project for full-size autonomous buses. The aim of this PoC is to promote advances in autonomous driving systems and technologies, which promise to help address the shortage of drivers in Japanese public transport.

The pilot project will start with level 2 restricted access buses (partial driving automation) and then move in stages to more advanced autonomous driving technologies. Its ultimate goal is to achieve level 4 systems (high driving automation) in the not too distant future. For the first stage of Level 2, which is due to start on March 8, shuttle buses will operate in a restricted area between the domestic and international terminals of Fukuoka Airport. The airport’s administrative body, Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd., has made the area available as the project’s focus matches its own plans to automate its shuttle buses to facilitate passenger inter-terminal connections. .

Under this project, Isuzu, NNR and MC will work to identify administrative and service-related issues while advancing autonomous bus technologies. We will also look at ways to help the practical adoption of these technologies by society in the future and otherwise help address labor shortages and the myriad of other challenges born of an aging workforce. population and declining birth rate in Japan.

[ Artist’s Conception of Autonomous Shuttle Bus ]

[ PoC Area ] Restricted area connecting domestic and international terminals at Fukuoka International Airport