NTT West Group and AVITA Form Partnership to Utilize Avatars for Social Implementation of Autonomous EV Buses
NTT West Group and AVITA have entered into a partnership to develop 'Bus Aba,' a service utilizing avatars inside autonomous EV buses. Aiming to maintain regional transportation and address driver shortages, they will promote the creation of safe mobility environments through remote customer service and new sustainable business models.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 00:00
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## Partnership to Utilize Avatars for Social Implementation of Autonomous EV Buses
NTT West Corporation, NTT Business Solutions Corporation, and AVITA, Inc. have launched a partnership to develop 'Bus Aba,' an avatar-based communication service for autonomous EV buses, aimed at sustainable social implementation of autonomous driving services.
### Background
The Japanese government aims to implement unmanned autonomous driving services in over 100 locations by FY2027 under its 'Digital Garden City Nation Initiative.' However, level 4 implementation faces challenges regarding passenger psychological anxiety toward safety and ensuring business viability. Key to widespread adoption is creating an environment where passengers feel 'watched over' and 'connected to people.'
### Overview of the Partnership
NTT West Group has led infrastructure integration trials with over 20 municipalities, while AVITA is a pioneer in avatar technology for remote customer services. By merging these capabilities, the companies aim to create a new mobile experience through 'Bus Aba.' Beyond fare revenue and public subsidies, they seek to secure business viability through increased tourism spending, advertising revenue, and the creation of new employment opportunities for avatar operators.
### Roles and Responsibilities
- **NTT West**: Leading planning and operation with municipalities and supporting the construction of sustainable transit models.
- **NTT Business Solutions**: Providing technical support for the introduction and operation of autonomous EV buses.
- **AVITA**: Providing and supporting the implementation of in-vehicle communication services using avatars and AI to enhance passenger experience through information, guidance, and safety alerts.
### Future Outlook
The companies aim to create successful cases where passenger satisfaction and business viability are secured. They plan to construct a system allowing flexible operation according to regional characteristics and expand these efforts in coordination with municipalities and transit operators. The flexible work style of avatar operators is also expected to contribute to creating new local jobs.
NTT West Corporation, NTT Business Solutions Corporation, and AVITA, Inc. have launched a partnership to develop 'Bus Aba,' an avatar-based communication service for autonomous EV buses, aimed at sustainable social implementation of autonomous driving services.
### Background
The Japanese government aims to implement unmanned autonomous driving services in over 100 locations by FY2027 under its 'Digital Garden City Nation Initiative.' However, level 4 implementation faces challenges regarding passenger psychological anxiety toward safety and ensuring business viability. Key to widespread adoption is creating an environment where passengers feel 'watched over' and 'connected to people.'
### Overview of the Partnership
NTT West Group has led infrastructure integration trials with over 20 municipalities, while AVITA is a pioneer in avatar technology for remote customer services. By merging these capabilities, the companies aim to create a new mobile experience through 'Bus Aba.' Beyond fare revenue and public subsidies, they seek to secure business viability through increased tourism spending, advertising revenue, and the creation of new employment opportunities for avatar operators.
### Roles and Responsibilities
- **NTT West**: Leading planning and operation with municipalities and supporting the construction of sustainable transit models.
- **NTT Business Solutions**: Providing technical support for the introduction and operation of autonomous EV buses.
- **AVITA**: Providing and supporting the implementation of in-vehicle communication services using avatars and AI to enhance passenger experience through information, guidance, and safety alerts.
### Future Outlook
The companies aim to create successful cases where passenger satisfaction and business viability are secured. They plan to construct a system allowing flexible operation according to regional characteristics and expand these efforts in coordination with municipalities and transit operators. The flexible work style of avatar operators is also expected to contribute to creating new local jobs.
FAQ
NTT西日本グループとAVITAは何のために提携したのですか？
持続可能な自動運転サービスの社会実装と、地域交通の維持および運転士不足という社会課題の解決を目指して提携しました。
「バスあば」とはどのようなサービスですか？
自動運転EVバスの車内で、アバター技術を活用したコミュニケーションサービスです。遠隔から案内や声かけ、情報提供を行うことで、乗客に安心感のある移動環境を提供します。
この提携で目指す事業モデルは何ですか？
運賃収入や公的補助に依存しない、持続可能な事業モデルの確立を目指します。具体的には、観光消費の促進や広告収入、コンテンツ施策、アバターオペレーターという新たな雇用創出を検討しています。
各社の役割は何ですか？
NTT西日本は自治体との企画・運行モデル構築を主導、NTTビジネスソリューションズは技術支援、AVITAはアバターやAIを活用した車内コミュニケーションサービスの提供および実装支援を担います。
アバター活用にはどのような社会的メリットがありますか？
乗客の安心感向上に加え、アバターオペレーターが年齢・性別・居住地を問わず業務に従事できるため、地域における新たな雇用創出への貢献が期待されています。