Demonstration tests of autonomous driving on public roads of the Kaihin-Makuhari area in Chiba City will be held during CEATEC 2019

September 27, 2019

The CEATEC Executive Board — comprised of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, the Communications and Information Network Association of Japan, and the Computer Software Association of Japan — has announced that demonstration tests of autonomous driving on the public roads of Makuhari New City in Chiba will be conducted during the CEATEC 2019 exhibition. CEATEC 2019 is a comprehensive exhibition focusing on Society 5.0 that showcases innovative CPS/IoT technologies from a wide range of businesses and industries. The exhibition will be held from October 15th (Tuesday) to 18th (Friday) at Makuhari Messe in Mihama-ku, Chiba City.

In order to realize and exemplify Society 5.0, CEATEC 2019 will focus on mobility as part of a special 20th anniversary project. To enable visitors to better experience the latest in smart mobility innovation, this project will include small buses equipped with self-driving technologies traveling autonomously on public roads.

This project will be realized through the cooperation of Chiba City, which supports studies and research to demonstrate the practical use of autonomous driving mobility as part of the National Strategic Special Zone. The SB Drive Corporation will provide vehicles and technical support.

Every day as CEATEC 2019 is being held, small buses will travel autonomously on public roads around Makuhari Messe to carry visitors on demonstration drives to and from the venue. By allowing visitors to experience firsthand the latest in smart mobility innovation, it is hoped that this will facilitate the exchange of information to enhance lifestyles and create new business opportunities.


Outline of Smart Mobility Innovation – demonstrations of autonomous driving on public roads

• Test-drive period
  October 15th (Tue.) – 18th (Fri.), 2019.
  Note: Test drives may be cancelled due to inclement weather, etc.
• How to get tickets to ride the bus
  Tickets will be available at the venue (advance reservations not required).
• Driving route
  Departs from the South Plaza Rotary at Makuhari Messe Halls 9-11. Travels for 1,500 meters from Makuhari Messe to Kaihin-Makuhari Station and returns, maintaining a slow speed of 18 km per hour for 15 minutes.
• Vehicle type
  Navya Arma EV (manufactured by a French company, Navya) equipped with autonomous driving technology.
  A driver with substantial training will be in control of the demonstrations of autonomous driving technology. Technical assistants will also be in the vehicles to initiate safety procedures such as switching over to manual driving in preparation of any unexpected occurrence.
• Cooperative entities
  Vehicle ad-wrapping sponsor: TDK.
  Project planning cooperation: Chiba City, Makuhari Messe, and SB Drive Corporation.
  

Details on driving routes, schedules, how to obtain tickets for demonstrations, etc. are available at the CEATEC Official website
(http://www.ceatec.com/)