Launch of Technology Development for Implementing Autonomous Driving in Buildings and Cities

Taisei Corporation (President and CEO: Yoshiro Aikawa; hereinafter "Taisei"), TIER IV, Inc. (Founder and CEO: Shinpei Kato; hereinafter "TIER IV"), Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. (President and CEO: Koji Ishikawa; hereinafter "Sompo Japan"), and Nippon Signal Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Ryuichi Goto; hereinafter "Nippon Signal") have launched a joint research project to develop technologies that allow autonomous vehicles to travel safely and smoothly both inside and outside buildings. In this joint research, the four companies will pool their respective advanced technologies and expertise with the goal of future commercialization and service implementation. 1. Background and Purpose In recent years, the development of autonomous driving technology has progressed rapidly both in Japan and overseas. With autonomous taxis already in practical use in some U.S. cities, the movement toward social implementation is accelerating. Similar services are expected to be introduced in earnest in Japan within the next few years. On the other hand, high-rise buildings, which are common in Japanese city centers, typically feature underground parking lots and drop-off areas. In underground spaces where GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals are difficult to receive, it is challenging for vehicles to determine their precise location. Furthermore, advanced technology is required to navigate safely in unique environments characterized by narrow passages, pillars, and the presence of pedestrians and other vehicles. Solving these issues and creating an environment where autonomous vehicles can move seamlessly from public roads into buildings and vice versa is essential for the widespread adoption of autonomous driving services. The four companies have launched this joint research to integrate their expertise in their respective fields, develop technologies to solve these challenges, and build a service framework for implementation. 2. Overview of Joint Research Using vehicles equipped with "Autoware*," an open-source software for autonomous driving led by TIER IV, the companies will use the underground parking lot of the Sompo Japan headquarters building (Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) as a field for demonstration experiments. The goal is to establish solutions that realize safe and efficient travel by linking buildings, autonomous driving systems, and traffic infrastructure.

- Taisei: Overall coordination of the joint research, provision of building design and urban development technology - TIER IV: Provision of autonomous vehicles and systems - Sompo Japan: Provision of the demonstration experiment field, risk assessment - Nippon Signal: Provision of road-to-vehicle cooperative systems, etc. Prior to this joint research, a driving experiment for autonomous vehicles was conducted in the underground parking lot of the Sompo Japan headquarters building in August 2025. Through this experiment, the companies identified specific technical challenges to be overcome in building-specific environments, such as ensuring the accuracy of self-localization, vehicle control in narrow paths, and the detection and avoidance of people and obstacles. This joint research will focus on resolving these issues. * Autoware is a registered trademark of The Autoware Foundation. 3. Future Outlook Through this joint research, the four companies aim to establish solutions that resolve the technical challenges of autonomous driving within buildings and move toward commercialization. The companies will continue driving experiments in the Sompo Japan headquarters underground parking lot next fiscal year. In the future, they envision expanding the developed technologies and services beyond individual buildings, such as office buildings and commercial facilities, to areas connecting multiple buildings and facilities, and eventually to entire "cities" or smart cities. By doing so, they aim to build social infrastructure that allows everyone to move safely, securely, and comfortably, thereby contributing to the realization of an autonomous driving society.