Tokyo, Japan – – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Systems, Ltd. (MHI-MS) has entered into a joint research agreement with Tokyo’s Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. To develop and test ramp merging support technology for autonomous vehicles. The collaboration aims to address the complexities of integrating self-driving cars into one of the world’s most congested urban highway systems.
The project, announced today, will focus on a demonstration experiment scheduled for to near the Yoyogi entrance (inbound) of Metropolitan Expressway Route 4 (Shinjuku Line). This location presents significant challenges for autonomous vehicle integration due to its short merging section, continuous curve, and elevation differences between the on-ramp and the main expressway lanes.
MHI-MS was selected for the project following a competitive review process prompted by a call for research partners from the Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. The company’s prior success with a Merging Support Information System implemented on the Shin-Tomei Expressway was a key factor in the decision, according to a statement from the expressway company. This earlier system demonstrated the feasibility of infrastructure-based support for smoother and safer merging maneuvers.
The initiative comes as the automotive industry increasingly focuses on “CASE” technologies – connected, autonomous, shared, and electric – as the future of mobility. However, the successful deployment of autonomous vehicles requires more than just advancements in vehicle sensors and software. It also necessitates intelligent infrastructure that can communicate with and guide these vehicles, particularly in challenging traffic scenarios.
MHI-MS intends to leverage its existing expertise in sensing and communication technologies, honed through the development and deployment of toll collection and Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems both in Japan and internationally. The company believes these technologies can be adapted to provide crucial support for autonomous driving infrastructure, effectively extending the “perception” of the vehicle beyond its onboard sensors.
The Yoyogi entrance on Route 4 was specifically chosen for its demanding characteristics. The short merging distance leaves limited time for autonomous vehicles to assess traffic conditions and execute a safe merge. The continuous curve adds complexity to the vehicle’s trajectory planning, while the height difference introduces a visual obstruction that can challenge sensor performance. Successfully navigating these conditions will be a critical step towards broader deployment of autonomous driving technology in urban environments.
The demonstration experiment will involve collaboration with automobile manufacturers and other research partners, allowing MHI-MS to test its technology in a real-world setting with a variety of vehicle platforms. The company plans to build upon the lessons learned from the Shin-Tomei Expressway project, refining its algorithms and infrastructure solutions to optimize performance and safety.
MHI-MS’s long-term vision extends beyond this initial demonstration project. The company aims to expand its ramp merging support systems to a wider range of roadway operators, contributing to the development of a nationwide infrastructure network capable of supporting autonomous vehicles. This would involve adapting the technology to different highway configurations and traffic patterns, as well as integrating it with existing traffic management systems.
The project also reflects a broader trend towards proactive infrastructure investment to accommodate the anticipated growth of autonomous vehicles. While the timeline for widespread adoption of fully autonomous driving remains uncertain, governments and private companies are increasingly recognizing the need to prepare the transportation infrastructure for this future. This includes not only developing technologies like ramp merging support, but also investing in high-definition mapping, reliable communication networks, and standardized data formats.
The collaboration between MHI-MS and the Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. Represents a significant step towards realizing this vision. By focusing on a specific, challenging use case – ramp merging in a high-traffic urban environment – the project aims to deliver practical, scalable solutions that can accelerate the safe and efficient integration of autonomous vehicles into the transportation system.
Beyond the immediate benefits of improved traffic flow and safety, the development of autonomous driving infrastructure also has the potential to unlock significant economic benefits. These include reduced congestion costs, increased productivity, and the creation of new jobs in the technology and transportation sectors. As autonomous vehicle technology matures and becomes more widely adopted, the impact on the economy is expected to be substantial.
MHI-MS’s involvement in this project underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in the transportation sector. As a part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, MHI-MS has a long history of developing and deploying advanced technologies for infrastructure projects around the world. This latest initiative builds on that legacy, positioning the company as a key player in the emerging field of autonomous driving infrastructure.
