NTT Launches Autonomous Driving Proving Ground 'Co-Creation Hub'

NTT Mobility Corporation (hereinafter 'NTT Mobility') will launch its autonomous driving testing field, 'Co-Creation Hub,' on June 1, 2026, and announce its current fiscal year verification schedule. The site is located in an area including public roads around the NTT Musashino Research and Development Center.

This field aims for the NTT Group to conduct year-round verification of autonomous driving technologies and operations in public road environments with heavy traffic, including cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. It will also facilitate collaborative verification with various partners such as transportation operators, local governments, and service providers. By utilizing this field, the company will promote co-creation initiatives directly linked to solving regional traffic issues, aimed at accelerating the societal implementation of autonomous driving services.

1. Background and Purpose The advancement and societal implementation of autonomous driving technology are accelerating globally. In Japan, issues such as driver shortages and an aging population are particularly urgent, and expectations for autonomous driving services are continuously expanding. NTT Mobility is opening this field to accelerate the societal implementation of these services, focusing on three objectives: A) Ensuring and improving the safety of autonomous driving operations B) Establishing and streamlining remote monitoring and control of autonomous vehicles C) Building autonomous driving service models that local governments and transport operators can adopt and maintain

[Planned Vehicles (Examples)] Vehicles modified based on Toyota Motor Corporation's e-Palette, a battery EV dedicated to mobility services Vehicles modified based on Toyota Motor Corporation's Sienna minivan

2. Verification Content - Operation verification on diverse public routes: Year-round verification to improve driving quality and safety on multiple routes, including shopping streets and residential areas. - Verification of diverse vehicle models and ADK technology/L4 certification: Operating multiple types, including e-Palette (bus type) and Sienna (passenger car). - Verification for advanced/streamlined remote monitoring and control: Simultaneous monitoring and control of multiple vehicle types, routes, and units, alongside verification of highly reliable communications required for these operations. - Implementation of smart poles and vehicle coordination: Reducing blind-spot risks and enhancing anomaly detection through road-side sensors, prediction functions, and stable communication, as well as verifying the reduction of vehicle-side sensor functionality requirements.