Avride Robots Get Green Light for Japan

Avride’s delivery robots are moving into another new country abroad

The Austin-based company has announced that its bots recently gained official certification in Japan and are now getting ready to begin operations there.

A blog published online confirmed: “You can already spot our robots on the streets of Tokyo, where they are getting familiar with their new environment and preparing to become an integral part of the daily life of this vibrant, modern city.”

The breakthrough marks the second phase of Avride’s expansion into north-east Asia.

In 2023, Avride’s bots started operating in South Korea, where they were deployed delivering food to students at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), southeast of the capital, Seoul. The bots have also achieved approval for operating on public sidewalks, paving the way for more widespread urban deliveries across the country.

The international scaling comes on top of recent successes domestically in the United States, where Avride has just announced its bots will be operating via Uber Eats in Dallas – marking the first time that tech of this nature has been allowed in the center of the Texas city.

The company’s partnership with Uber Eats was launched in Austin earlier this year.

While the bots form a key part of Avride’s business – as evidenced by the recent unveiling of an updated version which promises greater maneuverability, efficiency and higher speeds – it’s clear they may also have a role to play in facilitating the future rollout of the company’s self-driving taxis. As Avride explained, these early partnerships abroad can prove the firm’s worth as a trusted transportation partner.

Related:Delivery Robot Retooled for Better Speed, Sharper Turns

The company said: “Given the nascent stage of autonomous vehicle deployment, effective collaboration between regulators, businesses and other stakeholders is essential.

“At Avride, we believe that working closely with both regulatory authorities and industry partners is key to ensuring the successful integration of autonomous technologies. It is crucial to maintain transparency in our operations, foster open communication and work hand-in-hand with regulators to address any safety and operational concerns. We believe that by fostering this close cooperation, we can help create a supportive environment that benefits both the industry and society.”

And this approach appears to be paying dividends, with Avride becoming the first company to be granted permission to test autonomous cars on public roads nationwide in South Korea. The firm’s AVs have already been trialed in the busy area of Gangnam, in Seoul. 

Related:Robotic Deliveries Start in Dallas; Orders by Uber Eats

With Avride’s bots now approved in Japan – which has been making a concerted effort to introduce automated vehicles – the hope is the company can increase its presence there, too. “Japan offers a dynamic market for autonomous transportation, and we are eager to bring our solutions to new communities,” it admitted.