On October 19, Rakuten Group announced that it has begun a pilot project
aimed at offering an autonomous golf cart service.
Working with Mitsubishi Electric, Aisan Technology,
and Energy System Service Japan,
the company is testing driving at a golf course in Chiba Prefecture,
including driving onto fairways.
The Pilot: Simulating Actual Play Across All 18 Holes
The pilot has been under way since October 2
at Tohsho Golf Club in Tohnosho, Chiba Prefecture.
Covering all 18 holes, the carts drive from the cart storage area
past the front of the clubhouse, along cart paths, and onto the fairways,
to confirm that golfers can ride the carts and play safely.
During the pilot, staff ride along and constantly monitor
the carts’ position, speed, and behavior.
Mitsubishi Electric develops the software for autonomous driving control and settings,
while Aisan Technology creates the golf course map data,
operates the autonomous driving system, and evaluates safety.
Cart manufacturer Energy System Service Japan
evaluates and introduces the sensor system,
and Rakuten leads the pilot and develops software for golf courses.
What Changes: Less Guide-Wire Work, with Routes Set in Software
The carts drive autonomously by combining cameras, LiDAR, GPS, and other sensors.
According to Rakuten, they travel along multiple designated routes
with an accuracy error of a few centimeters.
If continuing autonomous driving becomes difficult,
such as during a sudden change in weather or a malfunction,
collision-prevention sensors and other systems
automatically slow down or stop the cart.
The approach reduces the burden of installing and maintaining the guide wires
required by conventional electromagnetic induction systems,
and allows routes, speeds, and no-entry zones to be changed in software.
It also aims to make it easier for carts to drive onto fairways
and move closer to the ball.
By setting up multiple routes to spread out where carts travel,
the companies also expect to reduce damage to the turf.
LC Signal’s Perspective: Beyond Driving, Operating While Protecting the Turf
This pilot addresses not only moving passengers
but also reducing the impact on turf by using multiple routes.
For golf courses to keep using the carts,
a key point seems likely to be whether they can balance
convenience for players with course management.
Key Sources
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Rakuten Group official announcement (Japanese), October 19, 2026:
「楽天GORA」、自動運転ゴルフカートのサービス化に向けて、日本において先駆けとなるゴルフプレーを想定した実証実験を開始
(Rakuten GORA begins a pilot project simulating golf play,
a pioneering effort in Japan, toward an autonomous golf cart service)
This article was prepared with AI assistance using publicly available information
as of October 20, 2026.
Announcement dates follow the dates shown on the official pages.
This is an announcement of a pilot project,
distinguished from the full launch of the service.
“LC Signal’s Perspective” reflects this publication’s interpretation
of the available information.