Mobileye Willer
The two companies will test and deploy self-driving transportation solutions based on Mobileye’s autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Credit: MikesPhotos from Pixabay.

Intel-subsidiary Mobileye has entered a partnership with transportation operator Willer to launch autonomous robotaxi services.

The move comes around two months after Intel acquired Israel-based mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions company Moovit for nearly $900m.

Under the latest partnership, the two companies will collaborate to test and deploy self-driving transportation solutions based on Mobileye’s autonomous vehicle (AV) technology.

The partnership seeks to introduce the robotaxi service first in Japan, then gradually across other Southeast Asian countries, including Taiwan.

Mobileye president and CEO Amnon Shashua said: “Our new collaboration with Willer brings a meaningful addition to Mobileye’s growing global network of transit and mobility ecosystem partners.

“We look forward to collaborating with Willer as we work together for new mobility in the region by bringing self-driving mobility services to Japan, Taiwan and ASEAN markets.”

As agreed, Mobileye will provide the AVs while Willer will be responsible for making the necessary service changes to meet regional and user requirements, as well as to ensure a regulatory framework.

The companies aim to commence the testing of robotaxis on public roads in Japan next year and roll out autonomous ride-hailing services in 2023.

Willer founder and CEO Shigetaka Murase said: “Collaboration with Mobileye is highly valuable for Willer and a big step moving forward to realise our vision of innovating transportation services: travel anytime and anywhere by anybody.

“Innovation of transportation will lead to a smarter, safer and more sustainable society where people enjoy higher quality of life.”

Notably, China’s Didi Chuxing introduced an on-demand autonomous taxi service in a Shanghai suburb last month.