Estonia is no newcomer when it comes to innovations in mobility — from Bolt to delivery robots, — and now one more major win is added to its growing list of achievements. Estonian-based Auve Tech has secured Level 4 autonomous driving approval in Japan for its MiCa shuttle. The company’s autonomous shuttles commenced operations on public streets in Taki Town, Mie Prefecture on November 29.
“Level 4 or driverless operations is the Holy Grail of every company developing autonomous technology,” says Auve Tech’s Founder, Väino Kaldoja. “Achieving confirmation for Level 4 in Japan and in public traffic is a great leap in development for a young technology company.” This certification particularly stands out as it required passing 64 distinct test cases, widely recognized as one of the world’s most rigorous autonomous vehicle testing protocols.
The MiCa shuttle, an 8-seat autonomous vehicle developed and manufactured in Estonia, represents a new generation of smart mobility solutions. Auve Tech’s presence in Japan has already reached a significant scale, with approximately twenty MiCa vehicles providing daily mobility services in several small towns. The majority of these operations are managed by Boldly, a SoftBank subsidiary, with backing from the Japanese government. This strategic partnership will help Auve Tech to expand market penetration, not only in Japan but globally.
Since its founding in 2019, Auve Tech has produced approximately 50 autonomous shuttles, establishing itself as one of Estonia’s largest automotive manufacturers. The company’s international footprint extends beyond Japan to Finland, Germany, the United States, and several Middle Eastern countries.
Auve Tech’s business model encompasses more than vehicle manufacturing. The company provides end-to-end autonomous transportation systems, including:
- Custom vehicle development and manufacturing
- Environmental integration services
- Advanced fleet management systems
- Full-scope operational support
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