Tech Desk 
Oct 31, 2024
Toyota and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) are set to invest 500 billion yen (about $3.3 billion) to build an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that aims to reduce traffic accidents.
The two companies planned to create an “AI-powered mobility platform” by 2028, using extensive data to enhance driver-assist technology and autonomous driving.
Toyota and NTT’s goal is to improve road safety and make driving safer in complex urban environments where accidents can often occur due to poor visibility.
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Toyota and NTT partnership
Toyota and NTT’s collaboration began in 2017 with a focus on developing “5G-connected cars” and continued with smart city projects in 2020.
In 2021, Toyota established its “Woven by Toyota” division to focus on autonomous driving, with initiatives like the “Arene software platform” and a testing site called “Woven City”.
This latest AI platform initiative will use the knowledge gained from these ventures to create a smarter, safer driving experience.
With the development of AI-assisted systems, Toyota and NTT hope to prevent accidents by making it easier to navigate tricky road conditions, such as merging on expressways and moving through crowded city streets.
The platform aims to serve not only Toyota but other automakers, government agencies, and academic institutions focused on traffic safety. They hope the technology will be widely available by 2030.
The push for an “AI-driven mobility platform” comes at a crucial time as Japanese automakers face growing competition in autonomous driving from companies like Tesla and Chinese automobile manufacturers.
This large investment by Toyota and NTT underscores the importance of “AI in autonomous driving” and Japan's commitment to enhancing traffic safety through advanced technology.
