Investing in autonomous driving technology is becoming increasingly important as the demand for safer, smarter and more efficient transportation systems grows. The leading cause of injuries and deaths are from road accidents worldwide. Consequently, AI-powered autonomous vehicles are spearheading a new and different approach to improving road safety by reducing human error which is the main causative factor in most accidents including optimized traffic flow, reduced congestion, and increased accessibility.
Building upon this foundation, Toyota and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) have agreed to jointly invest $3.3 billion (500 billion yen) into developing an AI-based infrastructure and software platform to reduce traffic accidents, with a target for completion by 2028 and widespread adoption by 2030.
Toyota’s participation in this project further enhances its current efforts in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The Mirai fuel-cell vehicle from the company, for example, has featured hands-free driving capability since 2021, showcasing Toyota’s dedication to advancing automotive technology.
The ambitious aim of establishing a society free from traffic accidents showcases Japan’s already remarkable road safety achievements. In 2022, Japan recorded just 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 residents, making it the country with the fourth-lowest rate worldwide.
Nonetheless, the initiative by Toyota and NTT seeks to advance this further, possibly setting a new international standard for road safety.
The collaboration is part of a broader ambition to establish a zero-accident society. Leveraging NTT’s expertise in telecommunications and Toyota’s focus on software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the initiative will integrate advanced optical communication and distributed computing to manage the high volume of data essential for autonomous driving.
This platform will leverage extensive data to support advanced driver-assist and automated driving systems, addressing challenges like poor visibility in urban areas and merging on expressways.
“Transmitting large amounts of data will be crucial as software-defined vehicles become more common”, says Toyota Chief Executive Officer Koji Sato during the briefing in Tokyo.
As a consequence, the system will employ the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) next-gen optical communication platform under development by NTT to manage the vast data needed for the analysis.
Toyota and NTT’s collaboration, which began with societal contributions via technological and industrial advancements, a focus on people, and global initiatives aims not only to improve their own autonomous tech but also to share it with other companies, government bodies, and academia for a safer, zero-accident future.
This commitment aligns with Japan’s intention to set new global benchmarks in avenue protection even as enhancing sustainable and sensible mobility structures. The project is scheduled to commence in 2025, aiming to start partnerships with different collaborators by 2028. The firms aim for extensive acceptance of the technology starting in 2030, indicating a dedication to enhancing road safety worldwide over the long term.
By investing in AI and autonomous driving, companies like Toyota and NTT are not only advancing technology but also prioritizing a future where transportation is more sustainable and accessible for everyone, aiming to shape the next generation of intelligent mobility solutions.
