Japanese brand Muji and Finnish autonomous-driving company Sensible 4 launched the self-driving Gacha bus last week in Helsinki, which is fit for all weather conditions.

The Gacha is the first autonomous bus in the world that is able to drive in all weather conditions. Most self-driving cars can operate only in ideal weather conditions and well-marked roads. This is what Sensible 4 has managed to change through repeated tests in the harsh winter conditions of the Finnish Lapland.”

While Muji supplied the minimal design of the vehicle, Sensible 4 provided the driverless technology, which includes using digital mapping and sensor technology to detect and avoid any obstacles. According to Muji, the inspiration for the design came from a "toy capsule" – they wanted it to represent "a universal shape that embodies joy and excitement, bringing peace and happiness to those who encounter it".

The people of Finland can experience joy for themselves by hailing the Gacha via a smartphone app, simply hopping on as it approaches the customer. The Gacha does this by using a digital map it teams up with its autonomous driving sensors technology to drive around cities and towns.