Sony to develop AI-based ride-hailing system with 6 taxi firms

February 21, 2018

Tokyo- Sony Corp. has said it will tie up with six taxi operators in Japan to develop a new ride-hailing system that utilizes artificial intelligence technology.

Sony and the taxi operators, including Kokusai Motorcars Co. and Hinomaru Kotsu Co., plan to establish a joint company as early as April to develop and manage the new system.

The companies aim to improve taxi services and cut business costs by making taxi dispatch operations efficient based on AI-powered predictions, according to the announcement made on Tuesday.

The new system will analyze past riding data and current information, such as weather conditions and local event schedules, to forecast places where taxi demand is expected to increase.

The companies also plan to develop a smartphone application linked with the new system to allow customers to book taxis and make electronic payments.

Earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corp. announced similar collaboration with Nihon Kotsu Co., a different taxi operator. Jiji Press