Self-Driving LS to Taxi Passengers Around at 2020 Olympics
Lexus and Toyota have been developing self-driving technology for years, and now it's ready for primetime in Tokyo.
High Tech Taxi
Toyota and Lexus have been testing and developing self-driving cars on public roads for years now. This includes more than one autonomous LS model. And after years of honing this technology, it appears that it's finally ready for primetime. Those attending the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo will have the option of taking a ride in a self-driving LS along a predetermined route, in fact.
Photos: Toyota
Take a Ride
The free rides will take place on public roads in the Odaiba district of Tokyo, which is a popular shopping and entertainment district on the man-made island in Tokyo Bay. There are plenty of Olympic activities taking place in that area as well, including a swimming marathon, triathlon, basketball, and beach volleyball.
Photos: Toyota
Scant Details
Outside of that, the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) didn't provide many details as to how these rides will work. There's no telling how many cars there will be, nor how you will be able to catch a ride. We imagine that as we get closer to the Olympics, more details will emerge. But we imagine that a lot of folks will be interested in this program, making it more difficult to participate.
Photos: Toyota
Rules are Rules
We do know that the cars participating in this program are fifth-gen Lexus LS sedans that are Platform 4 (P4) automated driving test vehicles. That means that humans don't have to be available to take control of the vehicles, though a safety driver must be present at all times as required by Japanese law.
Photos: Toyota
Operational Area
Passengers also won't be able to request specific routes, a la a cab or Uber. Instead, the cars will run along predetermined routes designed to showcase their capabilities across a broad range of driving conditions, challenges, and environments. As of right now, laws require Level 4 autonomous vehicles to operate within an Operational Design Domain (ODD) that is specially designed for its use.
Photos: Toyota
Testing, Testing
To date, TRI has been testing this technology on a closed course and public roads in Michigan, California, and Japan. They've been working for some time to replicate the crowded conditions they'll face in Odaiba, which is packed with infrastructure and of course, lots of foot traffic.
Photos: Toyota
Next Step
TRI plans to run this special program from July through September, operating as a mobility service for those attending the Olympic games. And even though it's somewhat limited by a lot of laws and rules, it's an exciting development for the next step in autonomous driving technology.
Photos: Toyota
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