“Alphabet’s self-driving unit Waymo said on Thursday it will start collecting data in Tokyo with test rides operated by human drivers next week, marking the first time the company will be using its cars on public roads outside the United States.

The California-based autonomous driving company will deploy 25 driver-operated electric Jaguar I-PACE to map key areas of the Japanese capital and gain insights into local infrastructure and driving patterns…

After completing the initial mapping phase, Waymo aims to advance to autonomous driving tests with a driver behind the wheel as a next step, Gavel said, declining to say by when the company hopes to complete the initial phase.”

From Reuters.