Waymo plans unmanned Tokyo robotaxi launch

Alphabet’s (GOOG) self-driving unit Waymo has partnered with Japanese taxi app operator GO and taxi company Nihon Kotsu to prepare a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Tokyo targeted for 2027. The companies describe the planned offering as a commercial service that will operate without human drivers once regulatory and safety conditions are met.

At a joint press conference in Tokyo, Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said the partners intend to run the service as unmanned from the outset, making robotaxis available directly to the public. The project frames Tokyo as a key market for expanding autonomous mobility services.

The planned robotaxi service is designed to be accessible through both the GO app and the Waymo app, allowing riders to book fully autonomous vehicles via familiar digital platforms. This dual-access approach is intended to integrate the new service into existing ride-hailing habits in Japan.

The partners plan to begin with a limited number of vehicles and then gradually expand the fleet to around 100 cars operating across key neighbourhoods in Tokyo. The pace and scale of the rollout will depend on securing required approvals and validating technology and operations under local conditions.

Waymo has been active in Tokyo since 2025, conducting data collection and supervised testing on public roads. These efforts include adapting its autonomous driving systems to Tokyo’s narrow streets and dense traffic patterns, which differ from many U.S. operating environments.

Personnel from Nihon Kotsu have been involved in these supervised trials, supporting operations and helping the technology adapt to local driving norms. The ongoing testing forms part of the validation process that must be completed before unmanned commercial rides can begin.

Launching the service as planned in 2027 remains contingent on obtaining national and local permits, licences and safety validations. The companies state they are engaging with government ministries and regulators as they move from test operations toward an operational and regulatory framework for commercial deployment.

The partners view the initiative as one possible response to driver shortages and longer-term demographic challenges in Japan. By combining Waymo’s autonomous driving technology with GO’s platform and Nihon Kotsu’s taxi expertise, the project aims to create a scalable, unmanned urban mobility service once all regulatory and safety requirements are satisfied.