Sony Corporation has announced that it will build a ride-hailing system based on artificial intelligence in Japan, in partnership with five taxi companies, according to TechCrunch.
The service will use AI to manage taxi dispatches and forecast demand based on weather, traffic or events.
Right before Sony’s announcement, the CEO of Uber said that the company is aiming to create more partnerships with taxi companies in Japan, where regulations are fairly restrictive.
Taxi drivers are required to hold special licenses, so companies like Uber can’t offer services in Tokyo and other major cities. Ride-hailing apps in Japan match passengers with licensed taxis instead of non-professional drivers.