Japan's Conveyor Belt Road to Boost Logistics

Japan is planning to construct an automated cargo transport corridor, known as the 'conveyor belt road,' between Tokyo and Osaka to address a truck driver shortage and rising delivery demands. This innovative project, expected to be operational by the mid-2030s, will reduce carbon emissions and improve logistics efficiency, potentially handling the equivalent of 25,000 truck drivers' work daily. The corridor will feature automated forklifts for loading and unloading and will be integrated with airports, railways, and ports. While the project could cost up to $24 billion, it is seen as necessary to counteract the effects of an aging population and new laws limiting driver overtime. If successful, the system may expand to other routes, although human drivers will still be needed for last-mile deliveries. Testing is set to begin in 2027 or 2028, with the government emphasizing the need for innovative road solutions.