Supplier bottleneck in Japan
Gigantic robot system is intended to replace truck drivers
Updated 11/10/2024Reading time: 2 min.
Japan plans to move goods between lanes on its highways. They are supposed to drive on a corridor of unimagined dimensions.
Japan is considered one of the pioneers when it comes to rapid transport of people. The Shinkansen Express is a showcase project that went into service in 1964. With top speeds of 320 km/h, the train network connects the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima, among others. Now the next project is being planned, but this time for goods and no longer on rails.
The “assembly line road” is intended to transport goods between Osaka and Tokyo. The background is that there are fewer and fewer truck and delivery truck drivers in Japan. At the same time, orders, especially online, are increasing. In order to transport them quickly between the two cities in the future, they will be packed into robot containers and sent on the 515 kilometer journey, reports the AP news agency. According to the first models, the containers will be mounted on wheels, have an electric drive and drive independently. You can automatically stop at charging stations on your journey.
A computer graphics video created by the government shows large containers on wheels moving along a three-lane corridor, also called the “auto flow road,” in the middle of a highway. A test system is expected to be put into operation in 2027 or early 2028 and be fully functional by the mid-2030s.
“We need to innovate on roads,” Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism who is overseeing the project, told the AP. The aim is to create special areas for the transport of goods on existing roads and to use an automated and unmanned 24-hour transport system. Similar concepts already exist in Switzerland and Great Britain.
The Japanese system involves the containers being loaded automatically by computer-controlled forklifts. These charging stations will be connected to ports and airports to ensure a continuous flow of goods. The containers should be 180 centimeters high and 110 centimeters wide and deep. If it is successful, further routes are also planned. At the final station, human drivers will then receive the goods and take over the last few kilometers to houses and shops.
Japan’s shortage of truck drivers has worsened under laws that came into force earlier this year. They limit the amount of overtime drivers can work. The aim is to avoid overload and accidents, but in Japanese logistics, government and transport circles it is known as the “2024 problem”. According to current estimates, Japan’s total transport capacity could decline by 34 percent by 2030. About 90 percent of Japan’s freight traffic and about 60 percent of Japan’s fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables are transported by truck.
Engaging Interview: The Future of Transport in Japan
Time.news Editor: Welcome to today’s interview! We have an exciting topic lined up: Japan’s ambitious plans for transforming goods transport using a gigantic robot system. Joining me is Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, a renowned logistics and automation expert. Dr. Tanaka, thank you for being here!
Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this groundbreaking initiative.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The “assembly line road” project sounds revolutionary. Can you explain what this system entails and how it addresses Japan’s current transport challenges?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely! Japan is facing a significant shortage of truck drivers, which has become critical as online orders surge. The assembly line road aims to transport goods along a dedicated corridor between Osaka and Tokyo, utilizing autonomous robot containers. These containers will travel on a 515-kilometer route, automatically stopping at charging stations as needed.
Editor: That’s fascinating! So this system isn’t just about speed—it also aims to solve a workforce issue. How does the existing transport infrastructure play into this plan?
Dr. Tanaka: Japan has a strong reputation for fast transport of people, exemplified by the Shinkansen. Now, with rising e-commerce demand, the focus is shifting to goods. The new “auto flow road” will run alongside traditional highways, using a three-lane format designed for efficiency and safety. This unique setup allows for rapid and reliable deliveries while alleviating pressure on the diminishing workforce.
Editor: It sounds like a perfect blend of innovation and necessity! What technological advancements are being leveraged to make this project feasible?
Dr. Tanaka: We’re witnessing remarkable advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. These robot containers are equipped with electric drives and AI systems that enable them to navigate independently. The government’s computer graphics video shows them moving seamlessly, which highlights the sophisticated sensors and navigation systems that will ensure safe transport.
Editor: With such ambitious timelines, how realistic is the target for a test system in 2027 or early 2028, with full functionality by the mid-2030s?
Dr. Tanaka: Timing in tech projects always carries uncertainty, but Japan has a track record of successful execution in large-scale infrastructure projects. The government’s strong commitment to innovation and investment, combined with partnerships between tech companies and transport authorities, lays a solid foundation for meeting these timelines. However, continuous testing and adaptation will be crucial.
Editor: I’m curious about the environmental aspect. Will the use of electric drives in these containers contribute positively to Japan’s sustainability goals?
Dr. Tanaka: Absolutely! The shift to electric-driven autonomous containers aligns perfectly with Japan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. By automating transport while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, this project can play a significant role in creating a greener logistics sector, which is critical given the global push for sustainability.
Editor: It seems like a monumental shift! As Japan leads the way, what lessons can other countries learn from this project in terms of addressing their own transport challenges?
Dr. Tanaka: Countries with similar logistics hurdles can learn a lot from Japan’s strategic approach—integrating advanced technology, fostering public-private partnerships, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Local contexts differ, but learning from successful models, like Japan’s, can inspire tailored solutions globally.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing your insights on this exciting development! It sounds like Japan is on the brink of a transport revolution.
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for the opportunity! I look forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds and shapes the future of logistics.
Editor: To our readers, stay tuned as we continue to monitor Japan’s progress in this groundbreaking endeavor!