Honda has launched a demonstration project for self-driving cars utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), showcasing these vehicles on public roads in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. The project aims to achieve Level 4 autonomy by the fiscal year 2027, where all driving tasks would be handled by the system under specific conditions. This initiative targets the challenges associated with declining transportation networks in rural areas, providing a potential solution to improve mobility. On October 18, the company conducted a demonstration for the media, featuring vehicles operating at Level 2 autonomy, which includes human oversight. The ultimate goal is to enable the vehicles to operate at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour and on roads wider than 6 meters under Level 4 conditions. With practical implementation aimed around 2030, Honda aims to integrate this technology into everyday transportation solutions. The AI employed in Honda's autonomous system is designed to recognize its surroundings without relying on high-precision maps, which could lower costs and enable operation in areas not covered by existing maps. This approach signifies a shift towards more adaptable and cost-effective self-driving solutions, potentially enhancing transport accessibility across various regions, especially in suburban and rural locales.