Japan implements AI technology for elderly driver safety and autonomous vehicle monitoring

In Miyazaki Prefecture, the Miyakonojo Driving School has launched a free AI-driven diagnostic service to assist elderly drivers. The system uses cameras to track eye movements and vehicle behavior with millimeter precision, providing objective evaluations of driving skills. This initiative aims to move beyond uniform age-based license revocation by helping seniors identify specific strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to continue driving safely if their skills permit.

Separately, KDDI has developed an AI agent designed to support the remote monitoring of Level 4 autonomous vehicles. The technology is intended for 'one-to-N' monitoring scenarios, where a single operator oversees multiple vehicles. Using Vision Language Models (VLM), the AI analyzes vehicle footage and environmental changes—such as falling objects or shifting traffic patterns—to help operators prioritize which vehicle requires immediate attention. KDDI plans to begin demonstrations in November, aiming for full social implementation by 2027.