#Japan #Tokyo #Nissin Foods #T2 #Autonomous Trucks

Revolutionizing Freight Transport with Autonomous Trucks

In an innovative step toward enhancing logistics, Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. and T2 Inc. have announced the commencement of autonomous freight transport trials using T2's Level 4 self-driving trucks. Set to begin in June 2025, these trials will take place on select highways connecting Kanto and Kansai regions in Japan. This collaboration aims to tackle driver shortages in the trucking industry while efficiently transporting lightweight products, like Nissin's beloved instant noodles.

Background and Objectives

Freight transportation has long been influenced by the limitations of vehicle capacity, which is typically constrained by weight restrictions. However, for lightweight cargo such as instant noodles, the transport capacity often relies on volume limitations. Hence, to ensure efficient transport of these lighter products, maximizing truck bed volume becomes crucial.

Nissin Foods and T2 have set an ambitious target of launching a full-fledged Level 4 autonomous freight service by 2027. The initial phase of this project will involve testing a transport model that utilizes the standard 12-shaped pallets, commonly used for lightweight cargo. This model will be evaluated for functionality in an autonomous driving context, starting with trials using Level 2 autonomous trucks.

Note: Level 4 autonomous trucks operate with full autonomy in specific conditions, while Level 2 trucks require driver supervision under certain conditions.

Details of the Trials

The autonomous trials are scheduled for June 5 and 6, 2025. The routes will include:

• - Outbound Journey (Day 1): Nissin's Kanto Factory in Toride City, Ibaraki Prefecture, to their Kansai-area warehouse in Settsu City, Osaka Prefecture.
• - Return Journey (Day 2): Nissin's Kansai Factory in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture, back to their commissioned warehouse in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

In this trial, Nissin Foods will oversee the selection of critical routes and transport arrangements, while T2 will manage the overall operation and provide the experimental vehicles.

Cargo Details

The primary cargo for these trials will be instant noodles. The objectives include:
1. Analyzing the autonomous truck's travel route and duration during freight transportation.
2. Assessing the effectiveness of driving operations under anticipated conditions like traffic and weather.
3. Evaluating the impact on the instant noodle cargo itself.

Important Note: During these trials, a driver will be present in the vehicle, ensuring the operation aligns with Level 2 autonomous driving standards.

Significance of 12-shaped Pallets

The 12-shaped pallets, measuring 1200mm x 1000mm, are a flat platform widely used for product transport and storage, adhering to standard specifications in Japan, Europe, and Asia. For instance, Nissin's Big Cup Noodles can achieve approximately 117% more cases loaded on a 12-shaped pallet compared to an 11-shaped pallet (1100mm x 1100mm).

About T2 Inc.

• - Headquarters: Hibiya International Building, 2-2-3 Naka-dori, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• - CEO: Seijou Morimoto
• - Established: August 30, 2022
• - Business Focus: Development of autonomous driving systems, providing Level 4 autonomous trucking services, and related operational services. For more information, visit T2's official website.

The collaboration between Nissin Foods and T2 marks a significant leap forward in the application of autonomous technology within freight logistics, paving the way for more streamlined operations in the future.