Auto parts maker Denso Corp. and mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo Inc. will work together in developing a vehicle control system for automated driving and advanced driver assistance.
They said Monday that the LTE and next-generation 5G mobile standards will be used to develop a system that lets vehicles merge onto expressways and cross intersections with poor visibility.
The partnership will pair Denso's strength in vehicle control systems and Docomo's expertise in vehicle communication networks, the two companies said.
Denso, a group unit of Toyota Motor Corp., has been working on technology that avoids traffic accidents by connecting vehicles wirelessly to traffic lights and other infrastructure.
Many Japanese automakers are stepping development of self-driving technology in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.