Wayve has announced its latest international expansion by establishing a testing and development center in Japan to help it accelerate the development of its AI-powered driving software in collaboration with leading auto makers.
Wayve’s entry into Japan follows the recent announcement of its planned collaboration with Nissan, as talks continue with other international automotive groups. The expansion also comes after its launch earlier this year in Germany, with the company expanding its international footprint after last year’s US$1.05bn Series C funding round, led by SoftBank Group with participation from Nvidia, Microsoft and Uber.
Given Japan’s track record in pioneering next-generation automotive technologies and as a global hub for vehicle production, it is an ideal location for ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo exhibitor Wayve to refine and scale its AI Driver as it commercializes its technology.
By incorporating training data from Japan’s complex road environments, Wayve will strengthen the generalization of its foundation model and enhance adaptability across global markets. The new Yokohama center will support testing and development in Tokyo and the surrounding regions, deepen collaboration with Japanese OEMs and accelerate product readiness.
“Japan is a global leader in automotive innovation, defined by its legacy of trust and engineering excellence,” said Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve. “By establishing our presence here, we’re embedding those principles into the development of our embodied AI. We’re here to collaborate with local partners to deliver advanced AI software that strengthens the global competitiveness of Japanese auto makers and accelerates the rollout of safer and smarter mobility technology.”
Wayve’s Embodied AI software learns from experience and driving data, rather than relying on hand-coded rules, HD maps, or expensive sensors. This allows the system to adapt rapidly across markets and vehicle types, according to the company. In a recent deployment, Wayve’s end-to-end AI reached near-parity performance in the US after just a few weeks of training data, demonstrating its potential for fast, scalable rollout.
As the Japanese automotive industry responds to shifting consumer expectations and intensifying global competition, Wayve offers a path to leapfrog traditional development cycles and accelerate innovation.
“As a global automotive powerhouse, Japan is embracing the rise of intelligent, software-first vehicles,” said Kentaro Matsui, managing partner at SoftBank Global Advisers, head of the new business office at SoftBank Group, and board member at Wayve. “Wayve offers a compelling solution to this transition, with AI technology that is global, scalable and highly adaptive. We believe Wayve’s presence in Japan will catalyze new partnerships and help ensure local auto makers remain global leaders.”
“Uber extends a warm welcome to Wayve upon the commencement of their testing and development operations in Japan, as a valued global partner,” added Shiro Yamanaka, general manager, Uber Japan. “It is our firm belief that advancements in autonomous driving technology will substantially contribute to resolving Japan’s transportation challenges and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility.”
“We look forward to S.RIDE collaborating with Wayve, the world’s most advanced mobility technology company, and pioneering the future of innovative mobility services, starting with data collection,” concluded Yohei Hashimoto, president and CEO, S.RIDE Inc.
With testing now active in five of the world’s major automotive markets, Wayve says it is building the most globally diverse and adaptable AI Driver software for driving automation, designed to meet the evolving needs of auto makers and drivers worldwide.
Find out more about Wayve’s solutions at ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo Europe 2025, May 20, 21 & 22. Meet the team at Booth 9408