Japan gov't to start trial of self-driving shuttle service around Diet

The Japanese government began a trial last Thursday using self-driving vehicles as a shuttle service for officials moving around the vicinity of the Diet for parliamentary affairs.

The one-month demonstration will see the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry check the technical aspects and reliability of Level 2 self-driving vehicles equipped with a "hands-off" function.

At Level 2, or partial automation, the system controls the steering, accelerator and brakes to let the vehicle automatically follow a preset route, while a driver remains on board.

The government is seeking to promote wider use of self-driving technology with an eye on Level 4 vehicles, which do not require a driver under certain conditions.

The push comes as the country faces acute labor shortages, with the transport sector also struggling with a lack of drivers.

Three self-driving vehicles will be added to the government's existing shuttle service, now operated with regular cars linking the industry ministry, the Diet and buildings housing offices for lawmakers of both houses.

About three shuttle services per hour will operate in the Kasumigaseki area, known for heavy traffic.

"The ride was comfortable. I want to support efforts to bring this technology into society as soon as possible," said trade minister Ryosei Akazawa, who took a ride ahead of the trial on Monday.

The project is being outsourced to Tier IV Inc., a company involved in autonomous driving systems.