Isuzu Teams Up with U.S. Startup to Develop Self-Driving Trucks
Isuzu partners with Applied Intuition to develop self-driving trucks. Aiming to launch Level 4 autonomous truck and bus operations by fiscal 2027. Collaboration with a Tier IV startup in the United States to integrate innovative technology.
The objective is to introduce these advanced vehicles onto Japanese highways by the end of fiscal 2027.
Shinsuke Minami, President of Isuzu, disclosed to Nikkei that the organization's plans to implement Level 4 autonomous truck and bus operations by fiscal 2027 have been fortified by its collaboration with Applied Intuition, which was initiated in April. A significant advancement in the industry is achieved by vehicles that are capable of managing the majority of driving scenarios without human intervention, which is known as Level 4 automation.
Isuzu would likely become the first Japanese commercial automaker to achieve this milestone, thereby establishing itself at the vanguard of autonomous vehicle technology.
Isuzu lacks expertise in the development of systems that improve self-driving capabilities, a field in which Applied Intuition specialises. The U.S. corporation is also collaborating with Nissan Motors to develop driver assistance systems, thereby demonstrating its industry influence.
Isuzu plans to incorporate Applied Intuition's technology into its heavy-duty Giga trucks, providing them with self-driving capabilities for duties such as inter-warehouse transportation. Additionally, the organisation intends to implement Level 4 self-driving buses in Hiratsuka city, Kanagawa prefecture, and Fukuoka Airport commencing in fiscal 2027. Subsequently, it may expand its operations to additional regions contingent upon preliminary results.
In order to improve its buses with state-of-the-art technology, Isuzu will capitalise on the expertise of Tier IV, a startup that is affiliated with Nagoya University, as a result of a recent capital and business alliance. Isuzu has conducted trials on buses with Level 2 automation in collaboration with Tier IV. In this scenario, a driver supervises the operation of the vehicle when necessary.
Minami expressed confidence in the future of self-driving technology, emphasising the potential for Isuzu's autonomous business to become a substantial revenue source as the industry continues to develop.
Isuzu partners with Applied Intuition to develop self-driving trucks
Aiming to launch Level 4 autonomous truck and bus operations by fiscal 2027
Collaboration with U.S. startup and Tier IV for advanced technology integration
Source: NIKKEI ASIA