English 
Imagry and Toyota Tsusho have agreed to work together to run a demonstration of autonomous public transport in Japan. They are going to test a bus that can operate at Level 4 automation. The purpose of this pilot is to see if Autonomous Public Transport Systems can work in real life. This includes the software, the hardware, and all the support needed to operate the system.
If the demonstration is successful, the plan is to give public transport operators in Japan fully integrated autonomous buses and systems. These buses and systems will have been tested through the demonstration. The idea is to eventually get certification for them so they can be used more widely.
Imagry is a company that makes real-time AI systems that can operate in the real world. They announced that they will work with 豊田通商 Corporation, a global trading company with many business areas, to test their autonomous driving system in Japan.
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Japan is going through a massive crisis of bus drivers lacking. Presently, the gaps in the workforce stand at 20 percent. The Japan Bus Association anticipates that the scarcity will grow to about 36,000 drivers by the close of the fiscal year 2030.
Imagry’s self-driving public transport cars could be the solution to this problem. Currently, the shortfall of drivers is 20%. The Japan Bus Association has projected that this will lead to a shortage of approximately 36,000 drivers by the close of the fiscal year 2030.
Imagry’s self-driving buses could help solve this problem. They allow more buses to operate, cover bigger areas, and run longer hours even when there are not enough drivers. This can improve return on investment for operators. It also makes mobility fairer for passengers. The advantages of such a system can be to enhance user satisfaction, lessen the environmental impact, and alleviate traffic congestion.
The vehicle that was demonstrated is a 6.9-meter-long electric eVersum midi-bus. It can carry up to 38 passengers. If a wheelchair user is included, it can carry 32 passengers. All the software and hardware will be installed, integrated, and tested at the bus manufacturing plant. This way, public transport operators will get buses that are ready to use.
The demonstration route will be similar to current service areas that public transport operators already run. It will run on public roads with other traffic. There will be bus stops along the way. Traffic lights and road markings will be used. This setup will let operators from across Japan come and see how the autonomous buses work in real conditions.
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