Toyota and Avalanche launch robotaxi network on blockchain

As part of the innovative project Toyota Blockchain Lab, along with the blockchain platform Avalanche, the prototype of the Mobility Orchestration Network (MON), the world's first robotaxi management system based on blockchain technologies, was unveiled. The project has already received a funding of $10.8 million, a sign of the companies serious intentions to move from theoretical development to practical implementation.

A revolutionary concept of autonomous mobility

MON represents a completely new approach to the organisation of transport services. The system creates a single blockchain infrastructure that unites car manufacturers, insurance companies, financial institutions, fleet operators and regulators on common standards. This solves one of the main problems of the modern industry: the disparity of data and processes between the various market players.

The key feature of the system is the use of Avalanche's multichain architecture and Interchain Messaging (ICM) technology. This structure allows different specialised networks to interact with each other, ensuring high transaction processing speed and system scalability.

Five revolutionary services

The prototype already shows the potential of five innovative services:

• Automated payments: real-time settlements for rides, rentals and network fees via smart contracts, minimising middlemen and delays.
• Tokenisationof ownership: new investment opportunities in vehicle fleets, with ownership represented by transferable and verifiable digital tokens, creating a liquid secondary market for traditionally illiquid assets.
• Collective fleet financing: transparent and efficient by issuing security tokens and managing cash flows directly on the blockchain, offering investors full transparency on assets and profitability.
• Transparency in insurance and claims: certified telematics data reduces fraud, improves risk assessment and speeds up payments, especially in cases requiring independent audits.
• Digital Certificates for Components and Upgrades: a traceable and reliable supply chain with historical and repeatable audits.

Challenges and Prospects

Despite the technological readiness, the project faces significant non-technical challenges. The main issue concerns compliance with the regulatory requirements of different jurisdictions, as public registries have to recognise digital property rights and transactions on blockchain.

Integration with the existing systems of car manufacturers, many of which use proprietary solutions, requires considerable effort. Furthermore, the definition of responsibilities in case of accidents or malfunctions must be clear, especially when decisions and payments are automated via software code.

The system also provides for the recording on-chain of energy consumption and routes, ensuring transparent accounting of emissions. Carbon credits and certificates can be associated with specific journeys, improving accountability and reducing the risk of greenwashing. However, the granularity of the data represents both an opportunity and a limitation in the implementation of environmental standards.

The future of autonomous mobility

The Toyota-Avalanche project marks the transition of the robotaxi concept to an operational level, with programmable payments, digital ownership and verifiable supply chains. The technology is ready for pilot projects, but the real challenge will be overcoming the hurdles of regulation, integration and governance.

If all the pieces fit, autonomous mobility could usher in an era of transparency and programmability on a large scale. The trajectory is clear, but success will depend on how well the ambitious plans to revolutionise the transport industry through blockchain are executed.