Mobileye and Willer have announced a collaboration that aims to launch an autonomous robotaxi service in Japan and markets across Southeast Asia, including Taiwan. Beginning in Japan, the companies say they will collaborate on the testing and deployment of autonomous transportation solutions based on Mobileye’s AV technology.
The two companies are seeking to commercialize self-driving taxis and autonomous on-demand shared shuttles in Japan, while leveraging each other’s strengths. Mobileye, an Intel company, will supply autonomous vehicles integrating its self-driving system, and Willer, one of the largest transportation operators in Japan, Taiwan and the Southeast Asia region, will offer services adjusted to each region and user tastes, ensure the correct regulatory frameworks and provide mobility services and solutions for fleet operation companies.
The aim is to begin testing robotaxis on public roads in Japan in 2021, and launch a fully self-driving ride-hailing and ride-sharing mobility service in 2023, while exploring opportunities for similar services in Taiwan and other Southeast Asia markets.