Skip to main content

Panasonic to launch autonomous cart ride-share in 2021

Panasonic is to launch a ride-sharing service of autonomous electric carts in Japan in 2021 for small towns and other ‘confined’ areas. A report by The Mainichi says the company is now using four carts to transport more than 14,000 employees around its headquarters in Osaka Prefecture ahead of the commercial launch. The carts operate at 20 km/h per hour on a 2.4km loop around the premises, which is around 468,000 m2 in size. An spokesperson is quoted as saying during a press conference: "We are not tryin
November 6, 2019 Read time: 1 min

598 Panasonic is to launch a ride-sharing service of autonomous electric carts in Japan in 2021 for small towns and other ‘confined’ areas.

A report by %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external The Mainichi false https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191017/p2g/00m/0bu/098000c false false%>says the company is now using four carts to transport more than 14,000 employees around its headquarters in Osaka Prefecture ahead of the commercial launch.

The carts operate at 20 km/h per hour on a 2.4km loop around the premises, which is around 468,000 m2 in size.

An spokesperson is quoted as saying during a press conference: "We are not trying to make high-speed autonomous cars because we are not an automaker. We would like to create slow and human-friendly mobility.”

Each cart comes with four seats, sensors, cameras and telecommunications equipment.

Panasonic is hoping the service will be introduced in theme parks or venues for large events such as the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • TrafficLand real-time video to feature in Harman Aha radio app, CES 2018
    January 4, 2018
    TrafficLand will provide live video from its network of roadway traffic cameras to the Harman Aha Radio TrafficLand traveller information app at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018, in Las Vegas. The solution, according to its CEO Lawrence Nelson, can provide content to dramatically increase driver awareness about traffic and weather conditions on the roadway ahead as well as make all the difference when it comes to driver safety. The new mobile application will be demonstrated on a 2018 Jeep Cherok
  • National law enforcement challenge webinar
    January 9, 2015
    Laser Technology (LTI) is partnering with the International Association of Chiefs of Police's (IACP) National Law Enforcement Challenge (NLEC) traffic safety recognition program to broadcast a live webinar on 20 January 2015 at 0930 am (MST). The 2015 National Law Enforcement Challenge Quick-Start Guide webinar will give new and returning applicants helpful information about the Challenge and the most effective tips to jump-start the application process. The NLEC is a friendly competition between agen
  • Milipol Paris: open for business to CARTES visitors
    November 19, 2013
    For the first time ever, CARTES visitors will be able to pop into internal security exhibition Milipol Paris – and there are a lot of good reasons why you should, explains Milipol director Michael Weatherseed. For one thing, both shows share a common concern: security Visitors wishing to maximise the potential of their visit to CARTES 2013 should think about also taking the time to look in on Milipol Paris, a separate exhibition for the internal security industry which is organised under the patronage of th
  • USDOT to host three-part webinar on latest trends in ITS deployment
    January 23, 2018
    The U.S. Department of Transportation ITS Joint Program Office will host a new three-part webinar series emphasizing the latest trends and developments in ITS deployment. It aims to support informed decision making on ITS investments, highlight recent additions to the survey and obtain feedback from participants on how to redesign the portal to improve its use and value. ITS Deployment Tracking: 2016 Survey Findings on Current Levels and Trends will focus on key findings from the 2016 survey and explore