UK-based self-driving car startup Wayve heads to Japan for more driving data

UK-based autonomous vehicle biz Wayve is continuing its global expansion by opening a testing and development center in Yokohama, Japan.

Confirmation comes weeks after Japanese car-maker Nissan revealed plans to launch its next-generation ProPILOT technology from FY2027, with Lidar and Wayve AI Driver software.

Last year, Wayve raised $1.05 billion in a Series C funding round led by Softbank, with participation from Nvidia, Microsoft, and Uber. Wayve's tech centers on using AI training to build its foundation models.

Unlike services such as the fully autonomous Waymo, which rely on highly detailed maps and expensive sensors to deliver a driverless experience, Wayve is currently a driver assistance tech that relies on AI training during usage. According to Wayve, its AI Driver Assist system "goes beyond the standard L2+ systems" and paves "the way to unlock L3 and beyond."

Level 2 autonomous driving means the vehicle can steer, brake, and accelerate autonomously. However, the driver must be ready to take control at any time. Level 3 means the car is fully autonomous, and the driver can take their eyes off the road. However, the vehicle might request that the driver takes back control if the situation demands it.

Wayve's approach means that it's AI service rapidly reached parity in the US with UK performance levels after a few hundred hours of US-specific training. Wayve has piloted in Germany to collect more training data. It claims the tech can be rapidly adapted to new vehicle platforms, which is useful, considering the corporation's goal is to have automakers embed its software into their vehicles without requiring a potentially costly suite of sensors.

"By incorporating training data from Japan's complex road environments, Wayve will strengthen the generalization of its foundation model and enhance adaptability across global markets. The new Yokohama center will support testing and development in Tokyo and surrounding regions, deepen collaboration with Japanese OEMs, and accelerate product readiness," a spokesperson said.

Autonomous vehicles have taken considerably longer to reach the market than enthusiasts hoped. Despite the protestations of Elon Musk, Tesla's Autopilot vehicles require drivers to remain attentive. In 2024, Musk forecast that the fully autonomous 'Cybercab' would enter production in 2026.

The road to autonomous driving has not been smooth. US automaker General Motors pulled the plug on its Cruise robotaxi operation in 2024, and earlier this year, Uber's CEO warned that high costs would make commercializing autonomous taxis difficult in the immediate term. Uber was, however, part of an extension of the Series C funding round for Wayve.

Shiro Yamanaka, General Manager, Uber Japan, welcomed Wayve's announcement today: "It is our firm belief that advancements in autonomous driving technology will substantially contribute to resolving Japan's transportation challenges and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility." ®