The two companies have rolled out a self-driving microbus concept called the SC-1 Sociable Cart. The market launch in Japan is scheduled for the end of 2019.
Sony did mention that it was designing a self-driving electric vehicle as early 2016, but, apparently, the challenge proved too much back then.
The new EV is 3,135 millimeters (10.29 ft.) long, 1,306 mm (4.28 ft.) wide and 1,830 mm (exactly 6 feet) tall. The modest dimensions mean it can accommodate up to five passengers.
Instead of windows, the car has four giant external displays, each measuring 55 inches (140 cm) across. A single 49-inch (124-cm) Sony TV screen is located inside, substituting the windshield. According to the manufacturer, it can display video sourced from externally mounted cameras and enhanced with Augmented Reality features. An on-board AI system scans the gender and age of each passenger to decide what kind of content to display during the ride.
The electric car is designed specifically for use in theme parks, entertainment parks and golf courses. As such, its speed is limited at 19 km/h (11.8 mph). The range remains unannounced, but the batteries are replaceable.