Valued AI Startup SenseTime Opens Self-Driving Test Center in Japan
Chinese artificial intelligence firm SenseTime launches an autonomous driving research and testing facility in Joso, Japan. The move aligns with Japan's goal to deploy driverless vehicles ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Chinese artificial intelligence startup SenseTime opens a self-driving research and testing facility in Joso, Japan, located just 50 kilometers from Tokyo. The $4.5 billion company, which is widely known for its object recognition technology, builds on its 2017 agreement with Honda to jointly develop autonomous driving systems. The new center operates near the famous Tsukuba Science City and allows local residents to preview the driverless vehicles.
SenseTime is not the only Chinese tech giant expanding its autonomous vehicle footprint into Japan, as Baidu also partners with SoftBank's SB Drive to introduce self-driving buses to the country. These expansions arrive as Japan aggressively invests in artificial intelligence and automation to combat its aging and shrinking workforce. The Japanese government actively supports these initiatives with a target to launch driverless cars on Tokyo's public roads during the 2020 Olympic Games.
The local government in Joso warmly welcomes the new test park, with Mayor Takeshi Kandatsu expressing strong support for the potential traffic solutions. SenseTime's international push happens alongside reports that the four-year-old startup raises an additional $2 billion in fresh funding. Ultimately, this strategic expansion highlights how Chinese AI companies export their advanced technologies to address critical demographic challenges in neighboring Asian markets.