Japan Plans Automated Cargo Corridor by 2030

Japan is set to develop an automated cargo transport corridor, known as the 'Auto Flow Road,' between Tokyo and Osaka to address a significant shortage of truck drivers, exacerbated by new regulations limiting overtime work. The project, which currently lacks confirmed funding, is envisioned as a solution to rising delivery demands, with plans for trial runs starting in 2027 or 2028 and full operation by the mid-2030s. Yuri Endo, a senior official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, stated that the initiative aims to innovate road usage by creating dedicated logistics spaces, promote automation, and reduce carbon emissions. The system will involve automated loading with forklifts and coordination with transport hubs, while the wheeled cargo boxes will measure approximately six feet tall and three feet wide. Similar concepts are being explored in Switzerland and the UK, indicating a growing trend towards automated logistics solutions globally. Despite the technological advancements, human drivers will still be needed for last-mile deliveries.