Uber to Launch Robotaxi Business in Tokyo, Partners with Hinomaru Kotsu
Uber Japan has announced that it has entered into a business partnership with the Japanese taxi company "Hinomaru Kotsu" to realize an autonomous taxi (robotaxi) service in Tokyo by August 2026. This initiative is attracting attention as a new form of future transportation.
In this partnership, Uber's advanced ride-hailing platform technology will be combined with the taxi operation expertise that Hinomaru Kotsu has cultivated over many years. Through this collaboration, the companies aim to provide a safe and efficient autonomous driving service.
In recent years, the shortage of taxi drivers due to labor shortages has become a serious problem in Japan. Therefore, the introduction of new mobility services utilizing autonomous driving technology is expected to be a key solution for maintaining transportation infrastructure.
Moving forward, safety verification and service improvements are planned through demonstration experiments within Tokyo. With Japanese companies and overseas technology firms collaborating, the future developments and the new mobility experiences that will emerge from this partnership are being closely watched.