HONG KONG, October 4, 2018
SoftBank and Toyota Team Up for Driverless Future
Japanese giants SoftBank and Toyota are joining forces to create new businesses using driverless car technology.They aim to launch mobile convenience stores and delivery vehicles.
- SoftBank and Toyota are creating a joint venture called Monet.
- The new company will develop services using driverless car tech.
- The focus is initially on Japan, with global expansion planned.
In a move set to reshape the transportation landscape,SoftBank and Toyota have formed a joint venture,Monet,to develop services leveraging autonomous vehicle technology. This strategic alliance, announced on Thursday in Tokyo, marks a notable step towards integrating cutting-edge technology with established automotive expertise.the collaboration will explore opportunities like mobile convenience stores and food delivery vehicles, ushering in a new era of mobility.
SoftBank will hold just over half of Monet, while Toyota will own the rest. The name “Monet” is derived from “mobility network,” not the French painter.
The collaboration was initiated when Toyota approached SoftBank, seeking a Japanese partnership to compete with global rivals in the autonomous driving sector. Companies like Alphabet and Baidu are heavily investing in self-driving technology.
Driverless vehicles are poised to disrupt the auto industry and transform ride-hailing services.
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s founder, oversees a vast network of artificial intelligence companies, internet businesses, and ride-hailing startups, enabling the collection of extensive data on transportation trends. This new venture will leverage SoftBank’s tech and data strengths alongside Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing prowess.
Monet intends to address issues related to Japan’s aging population and workforce decline. Over the next decade, Monet aims to introduce services such as self-driving buses for the elderly, hospital shuttles, and mobile offices. Initially focusing on Japan,Monet plans to expand its operations globally.
SoftBank has already made significant investments in autonomous driving. Its Vision Fund committed $2.3 billion to General Motors’ self-driving car unit GM Cruise earlier this year.
Honda also announced it would invest $2.8 billion in GM Cruise on Wednesday.
Toyota has also ramped up its investment in autonomous cars.
In March, Toyota established a new company dedicated to developing self-driving vehicles, with plans to invest $2.8 billion in the technology.
both SoftBank and Toyota have invested in or partnered with major ride-hailing startups like uber, Didi Chuxing, and Grab.
The SoftBank-Toyota venture signals a shift in the relationship between automakers and tech companies.
Son previously proposed connecting Toyota’s Japanese dealerships to the internet, but Toyoda declined.Son noted SoftBank’s growth, shifting from a smaller company to a partner sought after by the carmaker.
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SoftBank’s Role in the Evolving AI Landscape
SoftBank’s influence extends far beyond its partnership with Toyota in the autonomous vehicle sector. The company is making meaningful moves in artificial intelligence, demonstrating a strong commitment to shaping the future of technology. Their investments and strategic alliances highlight their multifaceted approach to this rapidly evolving field.
In February 2025, SoftBank Group announced a partnership with OpenAI. Together, they plan to develop and market “Cristal intelligence,” an advanced enterprise AI solution [[3]]. This significant investment clearly demonstrates SoftBank’s view on the long-term potential of this technology.
softbank is positioning itself as a key enabler of AI advancements. Their investments in infrastructure and strategic partnerships pave the way for large-scale AI deployments. These moves illustrate SoftBank’s strategy to capitalize on the next wave of technological progress.
The Impact of SoftBank’s AI Initiatives
SoftBank’s approach is characterized by massive investments and a focus on strategic partnerships. This approach allows them to not only support the advancement but also influence the direction of AI and related technologies. They are not just investing in existing technologies; they are actively building the future.
- Enterprise Solutions: “cristal intelligence” aims to create secure AI integration for individual companies [[3]].
- data-Driven Advantages: SoftBank’s existing tech and data strengths, mentioned in the context of the Toyota partnership, can certainly enable them to exploit insights for AI development and applications.
SoftBank’s ventures,especially “Cristal intelligence,” have the potential to reshape businesses across several sectors. They also reflect the increasing trend of AI dominating both the market and new technologies.The focus on building infrastructure for AI shows the importance of massive computing capacity to create advanced AI models.
What lies Ahead for SoftBank and AI
SoftBank’s strategy suggests that it intends to be a global leader in AI development and deployment. Their future will probably be characterized by continued investment, expansion of partnerships, and exploration of new opportunities, especially with developments in cloud computing.
In addition to the specific projects mentioned, SoftBank’s financial data indicates their broader business interests and their commitment to technological advancement [[2]]. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, SoftBank is highly likely to continue creating innovative services based on AI.
If SoftBank successfully executes its AI strategy, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the global technology landscape. Its success will likely shape how AI is implemented in companies across various geographies.
SoftBank’s investments point to a future where AI is not just a tool, but a essential component of business operations and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Cristal intelligence”?
“Cristal intelligence” is an Advanced Enterprise AI solution developed by SoftBank and OpenAI. It’s designed to securely integrate AI into the systems and data of individual companies.
What is The Stargate Project?
The Stargate Project is an initiative by SoftBank to invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure for OpenAI in the United States over four years.
How does SoftBank’s investment in AI compare to its other ventures?
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