Transforming mobile spaces into "moving media": Creating new urban experiences from Yokohama.
Yokohama Future Organization, in collaboration with Macnica, Inc., Yokohama FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (FM Yokohama), and LEALIAN Co., Ltd., conducted a demonstration experiment of the "MOBILE STUDIO MM" project, which utilizes autonomous electric buses to enhance the value of mobility, at YOXO FESTIVAL 2026.
In this project, an autonomous electric bus was operated as a "mobile radio station (mobile studio)," touring the Minato Mirai district while recording programs and conducting reports. By combining audio content with a mobile space, the aim was to create a new urban experience where "travel itself becomes valuable."
For more details about MOBILE STUDIO MM, see below.CLICK HERE
Objectives of the demonstration experiment
1. Value Verification of Mobile Spaces
We will test whether combining autonomous driving technology with audio media can provide new added value, such as entertainment and information dissemination, to users while they are on the move.
2. Improving the acceptance of next-generation mobility
By using the accessible medium of radio, we are creating opportunities for citizens and tourists to naturally experience autonomous driving technology.
3. Deepening the regional collaboration ecosystem
The aim is to establish a Yokohama-style model where local media, technology companies, local governments, and facility owners collaborate to generate innovation throughout the city.
A "moving media" that hacks the city.
What is particularly noteworthy about this project is that it defines the autonomous electric bus not merely as a "means of transportation," but as a "media device that uses the entire city as its stage."
A "mobile medium" that travels around the city.
A bus adorned with futuristic wrapping traveled slowly through Minato Mirai, attracting the attention of pedestrians. Its "live" feel, unlike a mere advertising vehicle, brought a new vibrancy to the city.
Public recording and live report by "MOBILE STUDIO"
The bus is equipped with FM Yokohama's studio facilities. This attempt to have popular reporters broadcast real-time from a moving bus is an example of maximizing the mobility of the media.
Furthermore, through on-site interviews, we received positive feedback from both the organizers and the participants.
Message from the operators:
"We were able to leave the studio and broadcast the atmosphere of the city directly. I was surprised at how excellent the quietness of the autonomous driving system was as a recording environment."
"In addition to showcasing the technology, we were able to directly convey the 'joy that technology brings' to the public by collaborating with the media."
Visitor comments:
"It's interesting that they're recording the radio on a bus. When you go inside, there's professional equipment, it's like a broadcasting station of the future."
"When I saw them running, I couldn't help but take a picture with my smartphone. It feels like the whole town is immersed in the event."
Future prospects
This demonstration experiment showed that autonomous electric buses have the potential to function not merely as a means of transportation, but as a "dynamic medium" that showcases the appeal of a city.
In the future, we hope to see the following business developments:
Platformization to improve user flow: Implementing audio guides and promotions in conjunction with local commercial facilities and tourist attractions.
Companies' use of B2B marketing: Private rentals and collaborative projects are available to serve as a hub for experiencing and promoting new technologies and services.
Sustainable smart city model: Permanent implementation of next-generation mobility in the Minato Mirai district through industry-academia-government collaboration.
The fusion of autonomous driving and radio holds potential beyond simply "entertaining travel." The psychological space created by everyone becoming a "passenger" is exceptionally well-suited to talk media, transforming the car interior into a creative communication hub. This experiment went beyond mere technical verification and can be said to have achieved significant results in demonstrating a new kind of "experiential value."