TIER IV autonomous bus rear-ended by public bus during Kumamoto test run

[COLLISION]

Jan 30, 2025 · Tier IV · Autoware · Shin-Tomei Expressway, Japan

Failure Mode

COLLISION

Event Date

Jan 30, 2025

Primary Entity

Tier IV

Robotic Platform

Autoware

Jurisdiction / Location

Shin-Tomei Expressway, Japan

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

On January 30, 2025, a TIER IV Minibus 2.0 autonomous bus operating under a trial in Kumamoto City was rear-ended by a following public bus at the Umayabashi intersection near Kumamoto City Hall. The autonomous bus was operating normally at the time. No injuries were reported among the 4 passengers on the autonomous bus or 15 on the following vehicle.

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

AutowareView Spec

Operational Sectors

Physical AI / Robotics

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/easia/news/important/group/20250317

    https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/easia/news/important/group/20250317

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in TIER IV autonomous bus rear-ended by public bus during Kumamoto test run?

On January 30, 2025, a TIER IV Minibus 2.0 autonomous bus operating under a trial in Kumamoto City was rear-ended by a following public bus at the Umayabashi intersection near Kumamoto City Hall. The autonomous bus was operating normally at the time. No injuries were reported among the 4 passengers on the autonomous bus or 15 on the following vehicle. The incident caused damage requiring repairs and delayed the public trial launch from February 10 to March 21, 2025. Sensors and autonomous driving system were confirmed unaffected.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on January 30, 2025 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

What robot was involved in TIER IV autonomous bus rear-ended by public bus during Kumamoto test run?

Autoware by Tier IV is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Shin-Tomei Expressway, Japan.

Has anyone responded to TIER IV autonomous bus rear-ended by public bus during Kumamoto test run?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

What is the current status of TIER IV autonomous bus rear-ended by public bus during Kumamoto test run?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.