Consortium for Social Implementation of Autonomous Mobility Services
Purpose
Although Level 4 automated-driving demonstrations have advanced, sustainable deployment of autonomous mobility services still faces common challenges in passenger services, remote operation, business viability, and regulatory procedures.
The consortium aims to bring together researchers and developers, transport operators, local governments, industry, and academia to discuss and address challenges in the pre-competitive domain from technical, operational, and regulatory perspectives.
Its goals are to help solve public transport challenges, promote related industries, and contribute to safe, secure, and comfortable mobility.
Background
AIST coordinated activities under RoAD to the L4 (FY2021–FY2025), a project involving Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Experiences include initiatives in Eiheiji, the Hitachi BRT, and Kashiwa-no-ha. The consortium seeks to apply these experiences to shared deployment challenges beyond individual demonstrations.
Activities
| Area | Activities |
|---|---|
| Exchange and networking | Survey and share domestic and international developments |
| Problem-solving support | Discuss challenges and share verification data and demonstration evaluations |
| Project support | Develop and promote collaborative projects |
| Outreach | Disseminate information through symposia and the web |
| Other activities | Additional activities necessary to achieve the consortium’s objectives |
Examples of issues to explore
- Standing passengers on automated buses: balancing passenger service and safety
- Remote supervision: operating multiple vehicles with a small number of supervisors
- Operations and business viability: sustainable services and lower deployment costs
- Regulation and authorization: identifying shared barriers and possible solutions
These are examples of topics for discussion.
Organization
The consortium’s organizational framework includes a general assembly, steering committee, secretariat, and working groups. Details of individual appointments and working groups will be updated as confirmed.
Expected outcomes
- Accelerated deployment of autonomous mobility services
- Reduced deployment costs through shared knowledge and data
- Progress in addressing regulatory challenges
- New joint research, demonstrations, and projects
- Stronger industry–academia–government collaboration for sustainable regional transport