Autonomous Driving

Today's Stories

1. 1

   AI nearly sent hazmat train toward disaster

   An AI system almost sent a hazardous-materials train barreling toward a catastrophe in Eastern Washington, according to the Tri-City Herald. This incident highlights a critical safety failure in AI-controlled operations, where a single error could have caused a major environmental and public safety disaster involving hazardous materials.

   Whether this near-miss leads to stricter oversight or changes in how AI is used in rail transportation.

2. 2

   KDDI and Michinori HD to run AI-based network optimization trial for autonomous buses

   KDDI and Michinori Holdings will run a trial using AI to autonomously optimize communication quality for autonomous buses. The trial starts September 1, 2026 in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Stable communication is essential for remote monitoring of autonomous vehicles, but building new infrastructure is costly and time-consuming. The trial uses multiple AIs to optimize base station parameters, aiming to improve 5G connectivity and reduce operational workload.

   The trial will validate whether AI-based RAN parameter optimization (adjusting base station radio settings) improves communication quality and cuts network design and adjustment work. It is part of a government-approved project supporting Level 4 autonomous driving.

3. 3

   KDDI and Michinori to Test AI-Optimized Network for Autonomous Buses

   KDDI and Michinori Holdings announced on August 28, 2026, that they will run a demonstration from September 1 using AI to autonomously optimize communication quality for autonomous buses. The trial is part of a project adopted by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and is conducted with cooperation from Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The demonstration compares network performance before and after AI-based RAN (radio access network) parameter optimization under remote monitoring. It aims to verify how much AI can cut the labor involved in network design and adjustment, and to measure improvements in 5G connectivity and signal quality for autonomous driving.

   The test will run on two routes: the Hitachi BRT route, which has operated level 4 autonomous driving over a 6.1 km section since February 2025, and the Omika Station loop route, about 3.0 km, which has run level 2 autonomous driving since January 2025. The BRT route includes 14 bus stops, 11 crossings with general roads, and 15 pedestrian crossing points.

4. 4

   Toyota to equip passenger cars with near-hands-free self-driving from 2028

   Toyota plans to install AI-based automated driving technology in its commercial passenger cars starting in 2028. The AI system, developed in-house, assists with surroundings recognition and can drive to a destination in urban areas with many pedestrians with almost no driver operation. This would go beyond the current mainstream Level 2 systems in Japan, which enable functions like following the vehicle ahead. Toyota aims to expand the rollout to more models from 2030 onward, with the goal of preventing traffic accidents.

   The technology will start with certain models in 2028, with wider adoption expected after 2030. Whether Toyota can achieve full-scale deployment to reduce accidents will depend on regulatory approval and real-world performance.

5. 5

   LG Innotek lands Zoox robotaxi camera module deal

   LG Innotek will mass produce and supply automotive camera modules for Zoox, Amazon's autonomous vehicle unit. This is LG Innotek's first mass production win for a robotaxi camera module. The deal extends a partnership that began during Zoox's early development phase, marking a significant milestone in LG Innotek's entry into the autonomous vehicle supply chain.

   Mass production and supply to Zoox is set to begin, though the article does not specify a timeline or volume.

6. 6

   Toyota to launch Level 2++ automated driving by 2028

   Toyota announced on August 27 that it will bring to market passenger cars with an AI-based advanced automated driving system around 2028. The system is expected to enable 'Level 2++' hands-off driving in urban areas. Current automated driving is mostly Level 2, which still requires driver supervision. Toyota aims to use AI learning to get closer to Level 3, where the driver is not needed in certain conditions, though liability for accidents remains with the driver as in Level 2.

   Toyota plans to expand the system to more models from 2030 onward. In commercial vehicles, it aims to begin nationwide rollout of Level 4, where no human is involved under specific conditions, also after 2030.