Collaborative Trials for Automated Truck Transport in Japan
In a significant stride towards the implementation of automated commercial vehicle operations, three prominent companies in Japan have joined forces to conduct trials on automated truck transport. Yamato Transport Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), and Tier IV Inc. have received approval from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for a collaborative project aimed at introducing the use of automated semi-trailers for trunk transportation on major routes.
The joint demonstration project, valid from January to February 2026, will utilize a semi-trailer equipped with automated driving features developed by MFTBC and Tier IV, coupled with trailers from the Yamato Group. This trial will be conducted on the crucial transportation routes between the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan, allowing the companies to assess operational practices, vehicle performance, and safety under real-world conditions.
The main goal of this collaborative project is to elevate the capabilities of automated driving technology, steering toward the eventual deployment of Level 4 automated semi-trailers in the logistics operations of the Yamato Group. Level 4 indicates a state where the automated driving system can manage all driving tasks under specific conditions, such as location, weather, and speed.
Yamato Transport will implement the semi-trailer under Level 2+ automation, which requires a driver to be present in the vehicle but allows for certain automated functions. MFTBC will provide the necessary technology in the form of their Super Great trucks, while Tier IV will deliver the automated driving technology essential for the project.
In this project, the teams will focus on several crucial aspects:
1. Performance and Safety Assessment: Evaluating the capabilities of the automated semi-trailer in real transportation scenarios.
2. Operational Logistics: Ensuring that the automated truck can integrate smoothly into Yamato’s logistical network.
3. Remote Operations: Exploring the operational dynamics when remotely managing the automated vehicle.
4. Data Collection: Gathering foundational data on the truck's performance during its operations, crucial for future developments.
This initiative marks a critical turning point in Japan’s logistics landscape as it embarks on modernizing transportation through automation. Companies are optimistic that insights from this trial will guide the augmentation of automated driving technologies and propel the country’s logistics sector towards increased efficiency and safety.
As the world shifts towards embracing automation in various industries, Japan is keen to lead in the logistics domain, ultimately setting a precedent for global practices. The collaboration among these three pioneering companies positions them at the forefront of this transformational journey, potentially influencing transportation systems worldwide.
For additional inquiries or further details:
Phone: 03-3248-5822
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
The joint demonstration project, valid from January to February 2026, will utilize a semi-trailer equipped with automated driving features developed by MFTBC and Tier IV, coupled with trailers from the Yamato Group. This trial will be conducted on the crucial transportation routes between the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan, allowing the companies to assess operational practices, vehicle performance, and safety under real-world conditions.
Objectives and Expectations of the Demonstration
The main goal of this collaborative project is to elevate the capabilities of automated driving technology, steering toward the eventual deployment of Level 4 automated semi-trailers in the logistics operations of the Yamato Group. Level 4 indicates a state where the automated driving system can manage all driving tasks under specific conditions, such as location, weather, and speed.
Yamato Transport will implement the semi-trailer under Level 2+ automation, which requires a driver to be present in the vehicle but allows for certain automated functions. MFTBC will provide the necessary technology in the form of their Super Great trucks, while Tier IV will deliver the automated driving technology essential for the project.
Key Responsibilities
- - Yamato Transport will oversee trunk transportation using the automated semi-trailer, ensuring alignment with existing operational methods.
- - MFTBC will focus on developing the vehicle's automated driving capabilities and providing the operational trucks.
- - Tier IV is tasked with the innovation and provision of the autonomous driving technology.
Trial Parameters
In this project, the teams will focus on several crucial aspects:
1. Performance and Safety Assessment: Evaluating the capabilities of the automated semi-trailer in real transportation scenarios.
2. Operational Logistics: Ensuring that the automated truck can integrate smoothly into Yamato’s logistical network.
3. Remote Operations: Exploring the operational dynamics when remotely managing the automated vehicle.
4. Data Collection: Gathering foundational data on the truck's performance during its operations, crucial for future developments.
This initiative marks a critical turning point in Japan’s logistics landscape as it embarks on modernizing transportation through automation. Companies are optimistic that insights from this trial will guide the augmentation of automated driving technologies and propel the country’s logistics sector towards increased efficiency and safety.
As the world shifts towards embracing automation in various industries, Japan is keen to lead in the logistics domain, ultimately setting a precedent for global practices. The collaboration among these three pioneering companies positions them at the forefront of this transformational journey, potentially influencing transportation systems worldwide.
Contact Information
For additional inquiries or further details:
- - Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.
Phone: 03-3248-5822
- - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp.
Email: [email protected]
- - Tier IV Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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