The First Fully Autonomous EV Towing Vehicle in Japan: RoboCar Tractor 25T at Haneda Airport

RoboCar Tractor 25T: Japan's First Level 4 Autonomous EV Towing Vehicle

Japan is making waves in the field of automation and artificial intelligence with the introduction of the RoboCar® Tractor 25T, the nation's first fully autonomous electric towing vehicle designed specifically for use in an airport environment. Developed by ROBO-HI Corporation in collaboration with the joint venture AiRO, and with the support of Japan Airlines (JAL), this innovative technology has successfully initiated practical applications of level 4 autonomous cargo transportation within Tokyo International Airport, more commonly known as Haneda Airport.

Background and Overview of Implementation

The air transportation sector faces urgent challenges regarding labor shortages and operational efficiency. To address these pressing issues, AiRO, alongside JAL, has refined a highly optimized autonomous towing tractor capable of navigating complex airport environments while adhering to strict safety standards. Building on ROBO-HI's extensive experience in developing self-driving vehicles and robots for public road usage, the RoboCar Tractor 25T is powered by a reliable autonomous driving system known as “IZAC.”

This cutting-edge vehicle is based on an electric towing tractor produced by WEIHAI GUANGTAI AIRPORT EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., and has been engineered to perform fully autonomous operations under level 4 driving conditions. Such autonomy is made possible through advanced communication with the airport's camera systems, allowing for effective traffic control and safe navigation.

After enduring rigorous testing phases in collaboration with JAL and undergoing assessments by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, the RoboCar Tractor 25T is now operational in the controlled areas of the airport, showcasing its capabilities in a demanding environment.

Key Features and Technology

The RoboCar Tractor 25T boasts a fully autonomous driving system, allowing it to transport heavy cargo without the need for human intervention. Unlike traditional systems, this advanced vehicle does not require the installation of magnetic nails or other infrastructural modifications to the roadways. Instead, it relies on its onboard sensors to navigate, making it a truly self-sufficient system.

Furthermore, the integration with ROBO-HI’s multi-vendor robotic platform, known as ROBO-HI® OS, enables remote operators to manage up to ten mobility devices simultaneously, regardless of the manufacturers. This capability enhances safety management across a fleet of both autonomous and manually operated vehicles within the airport, establishing a comprehensive management framework for various types of mobility solutions in the aviation sector.

Future Developments

The implications of the RoboCar Tractor 25T's functionality extend beyond the airport. By eliminating the need for infrastructure modifications, AiRO and ROBO-HI could rapidly adapt to changes in transportation routes with minimal time and cost investment. This flexibility positions RoboCar Tractor 25T to be a cornerstone of future mobility operations and operational efficiency improvements at airports and other large facilities, such as factories and warehouses.

ROBO-HI and AiRO are committed to utilizing the success of the RoboCar Tractor 25T as a launching pad for further implementations of autonomous driving solutions, actively advancing digital transformation (DX) and automation in the airport industry. With ambitions to contribute to the overall automation and efficiency of society, ROBO-HI is poised to redefine logistics operations across a variety of sectors.

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ROBO-HI Public Relations and Sales Support Department through this contact form.

Company Overview

AiRO Corporation: Founded in December 2018, based in Otemachi, Tokyo, AiRO specializes in the development and sale of autonomous vehicles for airport operations.

ROBO-HI Corporation: Established in January 2001, ROBO-HI strives to enrich society through advanced robotic and remote monitoring technologies. The company offers a multi-vendor robotic platform, ROBO-HI® OS, tailored for smart applications across cities, airports, and healthcare facilities. The firm is dedicated to enhancing efficiency with innovative life mobility solutions, including the RakuRo®, DeliRo®, and PATORO® brands, which collectively contribute to greater workforce efficiency in various industries.

For more information, visit ROBO-HI’s website.