Autonomous Truck Pilot
2025-06-05 02:30:42

T2 Initiates Autonomous Trucking Pilot for Beverage Logistics in Japan

T2 Launches Autonomous Trucking Pilot for Beverage Logistics



In an innovative move aimed at addressing the escalating driver shortage in Japan's logistics sector, T2 Co., led by CEO Seiji Morimoto, is set to launch a pilot program using autonomous trucks. Starting from June 9, 2025, the company will work alongside four major beverage logistics subsidiaries: Asahi Logistics Co., led by President Tetsuo Kodama; Kirin Group Logistics Co., led by President Nobuya Kobayashi; Sapporo Group Logistics Co., led by President Yuuki Hattori; and Suntory Logistics Co., led by President Norikazu Takahashi.

The pilot program will run from June to November 2025 and involves transporting products across highways connecting the Kanto and Kansai regions. T2's goal is to validate the efficiency of operations and the overall effectiveness of autonomous logistics solutions in the beverage sector, which is facing mounting challenges due to the so-called "2024 problem". This term refers to the anticipated shortage of truck drivers that could lead to a transportation capacity deficit of around 34.1% by 2030.

The implementation of Level 4 autonomous trucks—capable of operating without a driver—could revolutionize logistics by allowing continuous operation for up to 15 hours a day. Currently, truck drivers are limited to one round trip per day, but the use of unmanned vehicles could potentially double that capacity, thereby increasing supply chain resilience.

The beverage sector requires significant transport due to its high volume of products, particularly during peak seasons. This has raised concerns about delays in product availability for consumers, should the challenges in securing drivers persist. T2’s pilot aims to address these pressing issues by transporting various products using Level 2 autonomous trucks, which will proceed under the supervision of an on-board driver, thus ensuring safety and compliance with current regulations.

Pilot Outline


  • - Date: Scheduled for a total of 16 trips (8 round trips) during the June to November 2025 timeframe.
  • - Route: Parts of the highways connecting the Kanto and Kansai regions.

Pilot Routes and Dates in June


1. Outbound: Kirin Brewery Yokohama → Kirin Brewery Kobe
- Return: Asahi Brewery Suita → Asahi Brewery Ibaraki
2. Outbound: Sapporo Brewery Chiba → Sapporo Logistics Center Osaka
- Return: Suntory Products Ujigawa Factory → Suntory Ebina Distribution Center

Example Cargo


  • - Asahi: "Asahi Super Dry"
  • - Kirin: "Kirin Ichiban Shibori"
  • - Sapporo: "Sapporo Black Label"
  • - Suntory: "Suntory Craft Boss Latte"

Responsibilities


  • - T2: Overall management and provision of experimental vehicles.
  • - Beverage Companies: Provision of cargo samples and load.

Verification Focus


  • - Assessing driving routes, lead time, and logistics quality for the autonomous transportation of cargo.
  • - Evaluating the effectiveness of operational patterns proposed for this innovative logistics solution.

This collaboration represents a strategic step towards overcoming critical logistical hurdles in the beverage industry, particularly in light of predicted driver shortages. With discussions about sustainable logistics and advancements in technology gaining momentum, T2's pilot program could potentially lay the groundwork for future autonomous transport solutions within various sectors across Japan.

Company Overview
  • - Company Name: T2 Co.
  • - Headquarters: 2-2-3 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
  • - CEO: Seiji Morimoto.
  • - Established: August 30, 2022.
  • - Business Focus: Development of autonomous driving systems, Level 4 autonomous trucking services, and related logistics services.
  • - Website: T2 Auto


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Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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