KDDI and Michinori Holdings will test AI-optimized 5G networks for autonomous buses.
The test starts in September 2026 in Hitachi City.
It aims to ensure stable connectivity for Level 4 self-driving.
What happened
KDDI and Michinori Holdings will run a field test starting September 1, 2026, using AI to autonomously optimize 5G network quality for autonomous buses in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The data collection period is expected to cover about 7 days by the end of October.
Why it matters
Level 4 autonomous driving (where remote monitoring is required) depends on uninterrupted connectivity, but improving infrastructure has been costly and time-consuming. This test aims to verify whether AI can improve 5G connectivity and reduce the workload of remote monitoring operations.
What to watch
The trial is part of a Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications program for Level 4 autonomous driving. The network technology, already being introduced to KDDI's base stations since February 2026, will be evaluated for its ability to cut network design and adjustment work and improve video quality for remote monitoring.
Ask the AI about this article →
This field test addresses a critical bottleneck for Level 4 autonomous driving, which requires constant remote monitoring and thus uninterrupted communication. Traditional infrastructure upgrades are costly and time-consuming, so AI-driven optimization may offer a more practical path. The trial leverages existing technology from KDDI and KDDI Research, which has been rolling out since February 2026, indicating a mature approach. Hitachi City is an ideal site given its experience with autonomous buses since 2017 and its current Level 4 commercial operation of the longest route in Japan, about 6.1 kilometers. The results could inform how telecom networks support autonomous mobility in other regions, especially as the government pushes for nationwide deployment by fiscal 2027. However, the outcome is still unproven, and the test's short data collection window of around 7 days may limit its conclusiveness.
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