Nuro Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Tokyo, Pioneering Global AI-Driven Delivery

Silicon Valley-based autonomous vehicle startup Nuro has begun testing its self-driving technology on public roads in Tokyo, Japan, marking the company’s first international expansion. The move signals a significant step forward for Nuro, which is now focused on licensing its technology to automakers and mobility providers after shifting away from its initial low-speed delivery bot model.

First International Deployment

Testing commenced last month with a fleet of Toyota Prius vehicles retrofitted with Nuro’s self-driving software. Each vehicle is accompanied by a human safety operator, adhering to Japan’s stringent regulations for autonomous vehicles. TechCrunch first reported the rollout on March 11, 2026. Nuro established an office in Tokyo last August in preparation for this expansion. ubos.tech reports that the testing phase is operating in “shadow mode,” where the AI system runs but does not directly control the vehicle, allowing for data collection and validation.

Navigating Unique Challenges in Tokyo

Nuro recognizes that operating in Tokyo presents distinct challenges. These include driving on the left side of the road, navigating dense and complex traffic patterns and adapting to different road signs and lane markings. The company aims to leverage its technology to address these complexities and expand its global reach.

A Shift in Business Model

Founded in 2016 by former Google self-driving project engineers Dave Ferguson and Jiajun Zhu, Nuro initially focused on developing low-speed delivery bots. A $940 million investment from SoftBank Vision Fund in 2019 fueled early growth. However, the high costs of development and industry consolidation prompted a reassessment of the business model in 2024. Nuro now licenses its autonomous driving technology to automakers and mobility companies, including potential partnerships with ride-hail and delivery services.

“Zero-Shot” Autonomous Driving with AI

Central to Nuro’s current strategy is an end-to-end AI foundation model. This approach, dubbed “zero-shot autonomous driving,” allows the system to navigate new environments – like the streets of Tokyo – without requiring prior training on specific local driving data. This is similar to the approach taken by U.K.-based startup Wayve. Nuro emphasizes that safety remains a priority, conducting rigorous testing in simulated and closed-course environments before deploying vehicles on public roads.

Recent Investment and Partnerships

Nuro continues to attract investment, raising $203 million in a Series E funding round last year. Investors included existing backer Baillie Gifford, as well as new investors Icehouse Ventures, Kindred Ventures, Nvidia, and Pledge Ventures. Uber also participated, with a previously announced plan for a “multi-hundred-million-dollar” investment tied to a broader deal with Lucid.

Testing Details

The Tokyo pilot program involves 24 Toyota Prius vehicles equipped with Nuro’s self-driving hardware. Test routes cover areas including Shibuya, Ginza, and Setagaya, exposing the system to a variety of traffic conditions and pedestrian activity. Data collection focuses on key areas such as lane-keeping, traffic signal interpretation, and interactions with cyclists and scooters.

Nuro intends to expand the fleet size and gradually reduce human oversight as the AI model’s performance improves. The company views this pilot program as a stepping stone toward commercial deployment across the Greater Tokyo Area, potentially serving restaurants, grocery stores, and e-commerce fulfillment centers.