Revolution on the roads: Japan will authorize 100% autonomous vehicles from 2025

Japan is about to take a major technological leap forward in the field of transportation. From 2025, fully autonomous vehicles will be permitted on some of the country’s roads. This decision could well mark the beginning of a new era for the global automotive industry.

Japan paves the way for Level 4 autonomous vehicles

The Japanese government has just made a potentially game-changing announcement in the automotive world. From March 2025, Japanese autonomous vehicles Level 4 autonomous vehicles will be allowed on 25 selected roads in the country.

This decision goes far beyond what is currently being done in other countries such as the USA, China and Spain. In effect, Japan will be authorizing vehicles capable of operating without any human intervention, even in the event of a problem.

A gradual ramp-up

The Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishidatold Japan Times that this initial deployment on 25 routes is just the beginning. The aim is to rapidly extend this authorization to 100 routes in the near future.
This gradual approach will make it possible to :

• Test the technology in real-life conditions
• Adapting road infrastructures
• Familiarize the public with these new vehicles
• Adjust regulations if necessary

What is a Level 4 autonomous vehicle?

Autonomous vehicles are classified on a scale from 0 to 5. Level 4, authorized by Japan, corresponds to almost total autonomy:

• The vehicle can handle all driving situations without human intervention.
• It can travel without a driver on predefined routes
• Human intervention is only necessary in exceptional conditions

This is a giant leap forward compared with current driver assistance systems, which require constant driver supervision.

Challenges to mass adoption

Despite the enthusiasm of the Japanese government, a number of obstacles remain to be overcome before the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles :

• Adapting road infrastructure
• Changes to the legal framework (liability in the event of an accident)
• Public acceptance
• Cybersecurity of connected vehicles
• Japanese authorities will need to work closely with automakers and technology companies to meet these challenges.

And what about magnetic levitation?

At the same time as this announcement on autonomous vehicles, Japanese researchers from theQuantum Machine Unit of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) are working on an even more futuristic technology: magnetic levitation for cars.

The aim of this project is to develop engines that use magnetic levitation to eliminate friction altogether. In theory, these vehicles could move without batteries or conventional motors, thanks solely to the interaction between magnets.

How does magnetic levitation work?

The principle is apparently simple:

• The vehicle is made of diamagnetic materials
• Magnets placed along the road create a powerful magnetic field
• The vehicle levitates a few centimetres above the surface
• The absence of friction allows movement without mechanical or electric propulsion

Although promising, this concept still requires a great deal of research and development before it can be applied on a large scale.

A promising future for transport in Japan

By combining the authorization of autonomous vehicles with research into magnetic levitation, Japan is positioning itself as a leader in transport innovation. These technologies could revolutionize not only individual travel, but also public transport.

The country is already famous for its Maglev magnetic levitation train, which holds the rail speed record. Extending this technology to personal vehicles could radically transform the way we travel.

Global implications

Japan’s decision to allow Level 4 autonomous vehicles could have repercussions far beyond its borders. Other countries could be inspired by this initiative to accelerate their own adoption of these technologies.

Automakers the world over will no doubt be stepping up their R&D efforts to keep pace with this promising market.

Potential environmental impact

Both autonomous and magnetically levitated vehicles could help reduce the ecological footprint of transport:

• Optimizing journeys and reducing traffic jams
• Reduced energy consumption
• Reduced wear and tear on road infrastructure

These advances are part of Japan’s drive to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Japan is about to take a decisive step forward in the evolution of transportation. The authorization of Level 4 autonomous vehicles from 2025, combined with research into magnetic levitation, could well redefine the way we travel in the decades to come.