#Japan #Chiyoda #T2 #Autonomous Trucks #L4

Significant Growth of the L4 Truck Operation Conference

The L4 Truck Operation Conference, established by T2 Inc. in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is celebrating its first anniversary with remarkable growth. Launched with 10 initial member companies, it has now expanded to include 15 participants, including logistics firms and commercial vehicle manufacturers, as it aims to establish a Level 4 autonomous truck freight service by 2027.

Achievements Over the Past Year

Since its inception in October 2022, the Conference has pursued a collective effort to launch freight services using Level 4 autonomous trucks, fostering collaboration among its members. Together with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the conference has consistently addressed various operational challenges by meeting monthly.

In 2023, the group has moved beyond discussions to practical validation of specific challenges, focusing on two major issues in its operations:

1. Capacity Overload at Switch Points & Reducing Lead Times
The conference has developed operational strategies that utilize daytime hours effectively to manage traffic.

2. Remote Monitoring and Emergency Response Systems for Autonomous Trucks
Efforts have been made to create a robust framework for monitoring vehicles remotely and managing emergencies when necessary.

For detailed validation outcomes, interested parties can refer to the documents linked here.

The member companies include T2 Inc., Sagawa Express Co., Seino Holdings Co., Japan Freight Railway Company, Japan Post, Fukuyama Transporting Co., Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Mitsui-Soko Logistics Co., Mitsubishi Estate Co., and KDDI Corporation. Over the past year, new participants such as Obayashi Corporation, Suzuyo & Co., Nippon Express Co., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, and Meitetsu NX Transport Co. have joined, marking the growth to 15 companies.

Future Directions

Having identified key operational challenges necessary for implementing Level 4 autonomous truck services, the Conference will now focus on conducting further validations to assess operational effectiveness. Importantly, members will actively engage in activities aimed at addressing the issues identified during these validations.

With these initiatives led by T2 and its partners, the future of freight transport looks promising, embodying a shift towards innovative and automated logistics solutions.

Corporate Overview

• - Headquarters: 2-2-3 Hibiyako International Building, Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Masatomo Kumabe
• - Date Established: August 30, 2022
• - Business Focus: Development of autonomous driving systems, Level 4 autonomous truck freight services, and related support services.
• - Website: T2
• - Official X: @t2_auto