To get more mileage out of its research, SOMPO recently
forged a partnership with Tier IV, a deep tech startup
that provides automated driving technology to build safe
intelligent vehicles, and Aisan Technology, which creates high-
precision 3D mapping and drive-simulation technologies.
Using SOMPO’s big data, they are jointly developing Level IV
Discovery, an insurtech solution for safe and systematic pilot
testing of autonomous vehicles.Level IV Discovery is essential for local governments and
transportation operators aiming to introduce automated
driving services for their constituents and customers. Earlier
this year, the partners began testing Level IV Discovery
prototypes and plan to start off ering practical solutions for
municipalities and companies in 2020. The wealth of data
these prototypes are collecting will inform risk analysis as
well as refi ne self-driving technology and lay a foundation for
more discoveries.Discoveries are at the heart of the Fourth Industrial
Revolution. As we accelerate into this new technological
era, SOMPO is determined to use its big data, ingenuity,
and innovative spirit as a force for good; to ensure that our
journey into the future will be smooth, safe, and benefi cial for
all. Sit back and enjoy the ride.CONTENT FROM SOMPO HOLDINGS
New technology can be
enticing or intimidating. Few
new technologies, however,
have aroused more anxiety
and misunderstanding than
artifi cial intelligence, or AI. Is AI a force for good or a threat
to jobs and security? Sompo Japan Nipponkoa, a major
subsidiary of property and casualty insurance in Japan,
believes that AI can transform our lives in positive ways. And
there is no better way to put that belief to the test than to test
drive an AI-controlled autonomous vehicle.
In an ideal world, self-driving vehicles would be a boon. They
could reduce accidents, bring public transport to remote
areas, provide mobility to those unable to drive themselves,
and bring effi ciency, cost savings, and environmental
benefi ts. In the real world, many of us would hesitate to turn
over control of our cars and put AI in the driver’s seat. Even
though AI already handles many vehicle support systems
without drivers realizing it.
SOMPO is working on solutions to ease driver concerns
and ensure autonomous vehicles will be the safest and
smartest vehicles on the road. The company is engaged in
experimentation, innovation, and partnerships to achieve
that outcome. In 2018, SOMPO opened the Connected
Support Center, a facility dedicated to testing self-driving
cars and associated technologies. SOMPO’s research uses
the latest advances in the Internet of Things. The center
develops and conducts trials of remote monitoring and
control interventions to prevent and respond to accidents.
That brand of research may seem unusual for an insurance
company. Not for SOMPO. Research and development
are part of the company’s pivot from being an insurer that
responds to accidents to becoming a provider of solutions
and services to prevent accidents. It exemplifi es SOMPO’s
vision of building “A Theme Park for Security, Health and
Wellbeing” to serve and advance society.
SOMPO is working on solutions to ease
driver concerns and ensure autonomous
vehicles will be the safest and smartest
vehicles on the road.Putting AI in the Driver’s Seat