TOKYO — TIER IV, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has marked a transformative milestone in Japan’s mobility landscape with dual Level 4 certifications for its self-driving bus services.
The latest achievement, announced on March 28, 2025, authorizes fully autonomous operations along the Komatsu Station to Komatsu Airport route in Ishikawa Prefecture.
This follows the company’s groundbreaking Level 4 certification in Nagano Prefecture in October 2024, where its AI Pilot system became Japan’s first to operate at speeds up to 35 km/h on public roads shared with pedestrians and traffic.
Ishikawa Prefecture: Enhancing Regional Connectivity
The Ishikawa certification, granted under Japan’s Road Transport Vehicle Act, enables TIER IV’s Minibus to operate without human intervention on predefined routes.
The service connects Komatsu Station and Komatsu Airport, with a partial return route, leveraging partnerships with Komatsu City, BOLDLY (fleet management), Aisan Technology (3D mapping), and Sompo Japan (risk assessment).
Since its paid launch in March 2024, the route has transported over 18,000 passengers by February 2025, demonstrating robust demand for autonomous public transit.
Key to this success is TIER IV’s open-source software, Autoware, which powers the Minibus’s navigation, obstacle detection, and compliance with environmental conditions. The system integrates remote monitoring and high-precision mapping to ensure safety and efficiency.
Nagano Prefecture: Pioneering Speed and Safety
The earlier Nagano certification, centered in Shiojiri City, represents Japan’s first Level 4 autonomous service permitted to operate at 35 km/h in mixed traffic.
The route between Shiojiri Station and City Hall addresses regional challenges such as aging populations and declining public transport ridership.
Mayor Takashi Momose highlights the city’s commitment to “safer, more convenient next-generation transportation” through this collaboration with TIER IV.
The AI Pilot system deployed here combines Autoware with sensors, onboard computers, and infotainment, offering a scalable solution adaptable to diverse vehicle models.
Leadership Vision and Future Goals
Shinpei Kato, TIER IV’s CEO, underscored the societal impact:
“Autonomous driving technology is vital to sustaining regional mobility amid demographic shifts. These certifications validate our progress and commitment to nationwide rollout”.
The company plans to expand research, testing, and partnerships to accelerate adoption across logistics, emergency services, and tourism.
A Blueprint for Global Autonomous Mobility
TIER IV’s milestones highlight Japan’s leadership in regulatory innovation and public-private collaboration. By establishing certification frameworks and open-source platforms, the company is setting global standards for scalable, safe autonomous transit.
As cities worldwide grapple with urbanization and sustainability, TIER IV’s dual achievements offer a replicable model for integrating self-driving solutions into everyday life.
About TIER IV
A deep-tech innovator and founding member of the Autoware Foundation, TIER IV develops open-source autonomous driving solutions to reshape urban mobility. Its Autoware software and AI Pilot system are driving the future of intelligent vehicles worldwide.
