Toyota to Introduce Level 2++ Autonomous Driving from 2028… Also Considering Entry into Robo-Taxi Business with Waymo

*This content was translated by AI.

Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled a new blueprint for autonomous driving technology on the 27th (local time), announcing that it will sequentially introduce highly advanced 'Level 2++' level autonomous driving functions starting in 2028. This announcement is expected to cause significant ripples across the entire automotive industry and will have a profound impact on the future global landscape of the autonomous driving market.

Toyota remains committed to its ultimate goal of achieving 'zero traffic accidents' through the trinity of vehicles, infrastructure, and people. In particular, it has decided to fully adopt 'E2E (end-to-end)' autonomous driving technology utilizing autonomous AI in the vehicle domain, which accounts for approximately 60% of all accidents. Through this, the company plans to significantly enhance its ability to make independent judgments and respond even in complex driving environments.

Notably, Toyota's E2E technology does not rely solely on AI-based autonomous driving. It will also implement rule-based 'Guardrail' safety devices that intervene immediately when the AI encounters unexpected situations or movements it cannot predict. These guardrails serve as a core safety mechanism ensuring vehicle safety and also function as transparency tools to accurately identify and explain causes in the event of an accident.

Innovation in the commercial mobility sector is also noteworthy.

Toyota plans to accelerate the development of fully autonomous driving technology by 2030, aiming to realize Level 4-level autonomy. Alongside this, it is carefully considering entry into the robo-taxi business through collaboration with Waymo, a leading U.S. player in autonomous driving. The strategy aims to bring forward the era of commercialized autonomous driving by combining its in-house AI system development capabilities with global partnerships.

Experts are evaluating Toyota's current strategy as a realistic approach that seeks both technological innovation and safety simultaneously. Global attention is focused on what changes this plan—introducing Level 2++ in 2028 and envisioning Level 4 autonomy and robo-taxis by 2030—will bring to the global mobility market.

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*This content was translated by AI.