Driverless Car CEO Warns Against Unchecked AI on Urban Streets

In a recent interview recorded at the FutureChina Global Forum in Singapore, UISEE co‑founder and chief executive Gansha Wu offered a measured perspective on the trajectory of autonomous‑driving technology. While his company is actively developing driverless vehicles, Wu emphasized that the current generation of artificial intelligence remains insufficiently reliable for unsupervised operation on busy city roads. He underscored the necessity of human oversight, especially in complex traffic environments, and raised concerns about the socioeconomic impact of widespread vehicle automation on workers in Southeast Asia. The remarks, captured by CNA’s correspondent Tan Qiu Yi on 25 September 2026, provide a valuable lens through which to examine Japan’s own regulatory and industrial approach to physical AI, as ministries such as METI and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) continue to shape the nation’s autonomous‑vehicle roadmap.

AI Capability Gaps in Real‑World Driving

Wu’s caution stems from a practical assessment of AI performance in uncontrolled, dynamic settings. He explained that while autonomous systems excel in structured test tracks, they encounter difficulty interpreting ambiguous cues such as erratic pedestrian behavior, sudden construction zones, or unanticipated weather changes. These gaps, he argued, make it premature to entrust AI with full control on congested urban arteries where split‑second decisions can have life‑or‑death consequences.

The CEO highlighted that current sensor fusion and decision‑making algorithms, though sophisticated, still rely on predefined scenarios. When confronted with novel situations that fall outside the training data, the system may default to conservative behavior or, worse, make erroneous judgments. Wu suggested that a hybrid model—where AI handles routine cruising but a human driver remains ready to intervene—offers a safer transitional pathway.

From a Japanese perspective, these observations align with METI’s ongoing evaluation of Level 3 and Level 4 automation standards. The ministry has repeatedly called for rigorous validation of perception and planning modules before granting broader deployment permissions. Wu’s testimony reinforces the view that regulatory prudence is warranted, particularly as Japan prepares to host the 2027 International Autonomous Mobility Expo, where expectations for safe, scalable technology will be high.

Human Supervision as a Safety Net

In the interview, Wu stressed that human supervision should not be dismissed as a relic of the past but rather embraced as an essential safety net. He described a scenario in which an autonomous vehicle encounters an unexpected road closure; a human operator, monitoring the system remotely or seated in the vehicle, can quickly assess the context and issue corrective commands. This collaborative model, he noted, mitigates the risk of system‑wide failures that could otherwise lead to cascading accidents.

The CEO also pointed out that driver engagement can serve as a redundancy layer, akin to the dual‑control systems used in aviation. By maintaining a human in the loop, manufacturers can address edge cases while continuing to refine AI capabilities. Wu’s stance mirrors the approach of Japan’s National Police Agency, which has advocated for a phased introduction of driverless taxis that retain an on‑board attendant during the initial rollout period.

Moreover, Wu argued that public confidence hinges on visible human oversight. In markets where autonomous vehicles are still novel, the presence of a driver can reassure passengers and pedestrians alike. This sentiment resonates with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s recent public‑consultation reports, which indicate that Japanese citizens remain wary of fully driverless services without clear fallback mechanisms.

Economic Implications for Driving‑Dependent Workers

Beyond safety, Wu addressed the broader socioeconomic consequences of autonomous‑vehicle proliferation, particularly in Southeast Asia where millions of people earn their livelihood behind the wheel. He acknowledged that driverless technology could displace a substantial segment of the workforce, raising questions about job security and income stability.

The CEO suggested that the industry should proactively develop transition pathways, such as retraining programs that equip former drivers with skills in vehicle maintenance, remote monitoring, or data annotation for AI training. He noted that UISEE is exploring partnerships with vocational schools to facilitate such upskilling initiatives, though he admitted that concrete frameworks remain in early development.

Japan faces a parallel challenge as it expands its own autonomous‑vehicle fleet. While the country’s aging population creates a demand for mobility solutions that reduce reliance on human drivers, the potential loss of driving jobs could affect regional economies, especially in rural prefectures where transport services are a primary employer. METE’s recent “Future of Work” task force has begun to map out policy measures, including subsidies for training in emerging tech sectors, to cushion the impact on displaced workers.

Regional Context: Southeast Asia’s Labor Landscape

Wu’s remarks highlighted the particular vulnerability of Southeast Asian economies, where informal transport services constitute a major component of daily commerce. In countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, driver‑based gig work provides flexible income for large segments of the population. The introduction of driverless taxis or delivery bots could therefore reshape labor markets dramatically.

The CEO cautioned that any rapid rollout of autonomous fleets must be accompanied by coordinated policy responses from local governments. He referenced ongoing dialogues with regulators in Singapore, where pilot programs for driverless shuttles are being evaluated alongside social‑impact assessments. Wu argued that similar frameworks should be adopted across the region to ensure that technological progress does not outpace social safeguards.

Japan’s experience with high‑speed rail and automated fare collection offers a potential template. The country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has historically paired infrastructure upgrades with workforce development schemes, such as the “Shinkansen Workforce Transition Program.” Wu suggested that Southeast Asian policymakers could draw lessons from these Japanese initiatives when designing their own autonomous‑vehicle transition strategies.

Implications for Japanese Industry and Policy

For Japanese automotive manufacturers and tech firms, Wu’s cautionary tone serves as a reminder that market leadership will depend not only on engineering prowess but also on responsible deployment. Companies such as Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have already announced ambitious autonomous‑driving roadmaps, yet they must navigate a regulatory environment that increasingly emphasizes safety validation and public trust.

The interview underscores the importance of aligning corporate roadmaps with government guidelines. METI’s recent “AI Safety and Ethics” white paper calls for transparent reporting of system performance, especially in edge‑case handling. Wu’s emphasis on human supervision dovetails with this directive, suggesting that Japanese firms may benefit from integrating driver‑assist features that allow seamless handover between AI and human operators.

Furthermore, the CEO’s focus on socioeconomic impact resonates with Japan’s broader policy agenda on inclusive growth. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has launched initiatives to support workers transitioning from traditional sectors to technology‑driven roles. Aligning autonomous‑vehicle deployment with these labor‑policy measures could help mitigate potential backlash and foster a smoother societal acceptance of driverless technologies.

Future Outlook: Balancing Innovation with Caution

In concluding the interview, Wu reiterated that the promise of driverless cars remains compelling, but the path forward must be tempered with realistic assessments of AI capability and societal readiness. He advocated for a staged rollout, beginning with controlled environments such as private campuses or low‑traffic zones, before expanding to complex urban corridors.

This incremental approach mirrors Japan’s own testing strategy, where autonomous shuttles have been piloted in designated districts of Tokyo and Osaka under strict supervision. The data gathered from these trials will inform national standards and help calibrate the balance between automation benefits—such as reduced congestion and emissions—and the need for robust safety nets.

As the FutureChina Global Forum highlighted, the next frontier for AI lies in the physical world, where perception, decision‑making, and interaction with human actors converge. Wu’s perspective adds a nuanced voice to the global discourse, reminding industry leaders and policymakers alike that technological ambition must be matched by diligent risk management and a commitment to the livelihoods of those whose work may be transformed. For Japan, the challenge will be to integrate these lessons into a coherent framework that sustains innovation while safeguarding public safety and social stability.

By Kenji Tanaka, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: CNA video report (25 September 2026); CNA; Global1.News