Easy Ride (service of the robotaxi)

2018: Start of service of the robotaxi

In February, 2018 the car maker Nissan announced start of service of the order of the taxi without drivers. The project received the name Easy Ride.

For new service Nissan prepared electric vehicles Nissan Leaf, equipped with a system auto pilot which includes numerous sensors and cameras. At the same time the commercial Nissan NV200 car which is issued since 2009 participates in demonstration video to the project (see below).

The electric vehicle Nissan Leaf involved in service of the Easy Ride robotaxi

At the end of February, 2018 Easy Ride is tested by employees of Nissan and DeNA company which is a partner of service. On March 5, 2018 everyone will be able to order the robotaxi, however machines will strictly ply along the set 4.5-kilometer route between the headquarters of Nissan and  shopping center Yokohama World Porters (city of Yokohama, Japan). Further the geography of availability of service will extend.

Movement of cars will be monitored in  information center.  For security in pilotless cars there will be specially trained person who in case of unforeseen situations will be able to take over control. For entertainment of passengers during the trip in inside of robomobiles will install information touchpads with function of voice actuation into which will load data about 500 sights and  interesting actions nearby. Also will offer users of service discounts and  coupons at  40  restaurants and  boutiques nearby.

Professor of the Massachusetts University University of Massachusetts Lowell Nicholas Evans  (Nicholas Evans) considers that this service, despite all initial restrictions, has a high potential, especially in the large cities, such as Tokyo or Boston where constantly there is a need in transit from one point in another, but less opportunities for ownership of own car.

In Nissan and DeNA plan full-scale start of Easy Ride in Japan for 2020.^[1]

Notes