Toyota and NTT to invest $3.27bn in AI tech to reduce traffic accidents

Toyota and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) have announced plans to invest up to 500 billion yen ($3.27 billion) in building a new AI-powered mobility infrastructure designed to reduce traffic accidents.

As part of the move, Toyota and NTT will develop platform that combines a consistent communications infrastructure with AI and computing technologies which can intelligently process large amounts of data.

The new platform aims to standardise the mobility field, with the companies planning to integrate a wide range of industry, government, and academic partners.

Toyota is also developing software defined vehicles (SDV) that it says will be pivotal in building a safe high-speed, high-quality communication in the new AI-powered infrastructure.

Developments on the mobility AI platform will begin in 2025, with social implementation and collaboration with various partners starting in 2028.

Toyota and NTT are aiming for widespread adoption from 2030 onwards.

Automotive firms are increasingly adopting AI to boost aspects of their operations, from manufacturing to driving experiences, or to address road safety concerns, including Tesla and Mercedes Benz.

Earlier this month, Tesla’s chief executive Elon Musk said he expects the company’s new robotaxis to be produced from 2026, as the X-owner unveiled the design for the new autonomous vehicles at Warner Brothers Studio in California.