#Japan #Tokyo #T2 #Sumitomo Chemical #SLC

Sumitomo Chemical Group and T2 Announce Autonomous Truck Trials

Introduction

The landscape of logistics is undergoing a considerable transformation, with the demand for efficient solutions becoming increasingly paramount. In response to the pressing driver shortage issue in Japan, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. has partnered with Sumika Logistics Co., Ltd. (SLC) and T2 Inc. to begin trials of autonomous trucks designed to transport chemical goods. This initiative is scheduled to commence in July 2025 and will cover specific segments of the expressways connecting the Kanto and Kansai regions, a journey of approximately 500 kilometers.

Objectives and Importance

The main objective of this trial is to evaluate the feasibility of using Level 2 autonomous trucks to efficiently transport various chemical products manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical. Given the necessity for safe logistics in the chemical industry, this testing phase emphasizes the development of sustainable logistics operations that align with both safety requirements and environmental consciousness.

Furthermore, the project aims to contribute to carbon neutrality by utilizing fuels that support CO₂ emission reduction. The upcoming implementation of a carbon trading system in 2026 requires companies to manage their CO₂ emissions more stringently, and the trials will serve as a crucial step in understanding how autonomous technology can align with these environmental commitments.

Details of the Trial

Timeline

• - Start Date: July 2025

Location

• - Route: From Sumitomo Chemical's Chiba Plant in Sodegaura City to the Osaka area, spanning approximately 500 kilometers on selected expressway segments.

Roles and Responsibilities

• - Sumitomo Chemical: Providing cargo for transport.
• - SLC: Overseeing the operations of chemical product transport.
• - T2: Managing the overall project and supplying the experimental autonomous vehicles.

Cargo

• - Chemical products and related materials will be transported during the trials.

Verification Criteria

All trials will involve a driver present in the vehicle, ensuring operations are executed under Level 2 autonomous conditions. Key areas of verification include:

• - Assessment of the driving routes and lead time involved in freight transportation using autonomous technology.
• - Evaluation of the effectiveness of planned operational patterns.
• - Analysis of transportation efficiency using carbon-neutral fuels.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

Following the results of these trials, the three companies will focus on deepening their collaboration to advance towards the realization of Level 4 autonomous trucking, planned to commence in 2027. Additionally, the initiative aims to explore the use of renewable diesel, primarily derived from waste cooking oil, which holds promise as an alternative fuel for future logistics operations.

Commentary from Leadership

Kenji Ohno, Executive Officer at Sumitomo Chemical, highlighted the increasing challenges in the logistics sector, particularly the acute driver shortage. He emphasizes that the adoption of autonomous trucks is a significant step towards achieving safe and diverse logistics solutions for the chemical industry.

Kuni Hiroshi Takagi, President of SLC, stated that this trial is a crucial endeavor that addresses social challenges and shifts the logistics industry towards a more sustainable future. Their commitment to safety and quality in logistics services aligns with ongoing mid-term management plans focusing on sustainable practices.

T2's CEO, Naruyoshi Morimoto, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate on this socially significant trial, aiming to pave the way for sustainable transport solutions and contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Company Profiles

• - Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

- Headquarters: 2-7-1, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Established: September 22, 1913
- Website: Sumitomo Chemical

• - Sumika Logistics Co., Ltd.

- Headquarters: 1-8, Koamicho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Established: March 15, 1966
- Website: Sumika Logistics

• - T2 Inc.

- Headquarters: 2-2-3, Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Established: August 30, 2022
- Website: T2

This initiative not only showcases the advancement of technology but also emphasizes the growing responsibility of the logistics sector towards sustainable practices. As these trials unfold, they hold the potential to redefine how chemical goods are transported in the future while making strides towards carbon neutrality in logistics.