[For more detailed corporate information on the startup featured in this article, visit Data Lab on the Unicorn Factory big data platform 'Data Lab'.]
Autonomous driving technology company Autonomous A2Z (A2Z) announced on the 9th that it will deploy its in-house developed Level 4 autonomous driving platform, 'ROii,' for a demonstration run of an autonomous bus starting in Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
A2Z, founded in 2018 by four autonomous driving engineers from Hyundai Motor, currently holds the largest number of temporary operating permits for autonomous vehicles nationwide, with 101 units. The cumulative distance driven in the urban autonomous driving sector reaches approximately 1.15 million km.
ROii is a Level 4 unmanned autonomous driving platform that A2Z completed developing in 2024. Designed without a driver's seat, it can accommodate up to 11 passengers. This marks the first time A2Z has deployed ROii on public roads overseas.
The vehicle will operate for free three times a day on weekdays over a one-way route of approximately 1.8 km from Kinosaki Onsen Station to the vicinity of the Kinosaki International Art Center. A2Z modified ROii with a right-hand drive configuration to suit Japan's left-side traffic environment and optimized the autonomous driving system according to operating conditions.
The interior structure of the vehicle was also partially modified to accommodate operating conditions that include a safety driver on board. The sliding door, which opens widely at the front of the vehicle, is described as facilitating boarding and alighting for tourists wearing yukata in the onsen town and elderly passengers.
This project represents the first demonstration of an autonomous bus introduction in Toyooka City. The city faces intensifying transportation issues, including a shortage of drivers, a decline in users, and the reduction or cancellation of route bus services due to population decrease and aging, necessitating a response.
Kinosaki Onsen is an area where narrow roads are shared by tourist and resident vehicles as well as pedestrians. Toyooka City plans to verify the introduction of an autonomous driving model as a means to build a future mobility system that addresses traffic congestion and safety issues while simultaneously improving travel convenience through this demonstration.
In addition to A2Z, local general trading company Kanematsu, Zentan Bus, Sompo Japan Insurance, KDDI, and KDDI Smart Mobility are participating in the project. Kanematsu, selected as the entrusted operator, is responsible for overall project management, coordination with local governments and relevant agencies, and establishing a system for the introduction, supply, and maintenance of A2Z's vehicles and systems within Japan.
Vehicle operations will be handled by local transportation company Zentan Bus. Sompo Japan Insurance will participate in risk assessment, autonomous driving-specific insurance, and the establishment of an emergency response system and maintenance network through its autonomous driving support solution, 'SOMPO ALCS.'
KDDI and KDDI Smart Mobility will build communication and remote monitoring environments to support operations. A2Z will provide ROii-related software and control systems, and carry out localization of vehicles and systems, driving data analysis, and technical support.
During the demonstration period, technical personnel will be stationed locally to handle emergency situations and provide technical support. The driving data secured during this process will be utilized to verify driving performance and stability in road and traffic environments different from those in Korea, as well as to advance autonomous driving technology.
An A2Z official stated, "Based on the driving data, user surveys, and operational experience gained from this demonstration, we will consider the full-scale introduction of Level 4 autonomous driving services," adding, "We will expand joint proposals to other local governments and transportation operators in Japan's mountainous areas and tourist destinations that face similar traffic issues."
Following a memorandum of understanding signed with Kanematsu last August, A2Z participated this February by providing vehicles and systems for an autonomous taxi demonstration in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. Since then, the company has been working to expand its presence and business in the region based on positive local feedback.
Han Ji-hyung, CEO of A2Z, said, "This demonstration is significant as it marks the first deployment of ROii on Japanese roads, verifying the applicability of our technology and services in a traffic environment different from ours." He added, "We will lay the foundation for introducing Level 4 autonomous driving services needed for regional transportation in Japan and expand our business accordingly."
[MoneyToday startup media platform 'Unicorn Factory']
in FUTURE
