NTT West Group and AVITA Form Partnership to Utilize Avatars for Social Implementation of Autonomous EV Buses
Key facts
- 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.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 26, 2026
Direct answer
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.
- Citation
- NTT West Group and AVITA Form Partnership to Utilize Avatars for Social Implementation of Autonomous EV Buses (May 26, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 26, 2026
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.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 15:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 15:36 (4 min after Collected)
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
Why did NTT West Japan Group and AVITA form a partnership?
To implement sustainable autonomous driving services and address social issues such as maintaining regional transportation and driver shortages.
What is 'Bus Ava'?
A communication service inside an autonomous EV bus that uses avatar technology. It provides guidance, announcements, and information remotely to create a reassuring travel environment for passengers.
What business model is aimed for in this partnership?
The goal is to establish a sustainable business model not dependent on fare revenue or public subsidies. This includes promoting tourism consumption, advertising revenue, content initiatives, and creating new employment through avatar operators.
What are the roles of each company?
NTT West Japan leads the planning and operation model with local governments, NTT Business Solutions provides technical support, and AVITA offers and implements in-vehicle communication services using avatars and AI.
What are the social benefits of using avatars?
In addition to enhancing passenger reassurance, avatar operators can work regardless of age, gender, or location, contributing to new employment opportunities in the region.