Plus Collaborates with TIER IV to Foster Autonomous Trucking Solutions in Japan

Plus and TIER IV Partner to Advance Autonomous Trucking in Japan

In a landmark collaboration, Plus, a global leader in AI-driven autonomous trucking technology, has joined forces with TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source autonomous driving software. This strategic partnership aims to revolutionize the Japanese logistics landscape with the rollout of Autonomy 2.0, marking a significant step towards addressing a critical shortage of truck drivers in the country.

The collaboration focuses on creating a customized autonomous driving software solution tailored for the Japanese market. By integrating Plus's advanced end-to-end virtual driver AI model with TIER IV's renowned Autoware platform, the partnership seeks to foster advanced Level 4 autonomous trucks capable of operating on Japan's expressways. This initiative aligns closely with the Japanese government's efforts to accelerate autonomous driving technology, with the hope of mitigating the impacts of an aging population and a projected 36% shortage of truck drivers by the year 2030, as reported by the Nomura Research Institute.

Shinpei Kato, the CEO of TIER IV, emphasizes the importance of collaborative innovation: "We've always believed that co-creation with our partners is the fastest way to bring the best autonomous driving systems to the world. Plus, as a leader in autonomous driving, is the ideal partner to usher in the Autonomy 2.0 era in Japan."

Plus has already demonstrated its capabilities in the autonomous vehicle sector, partnering with leading truck manufacturers such as TRATON GROUP's Scania and MAN, as well as Hyundai. This expertise positions Plus as a key player in bringing advanced autonomous driving technology to the Japanese market, starting with autonomous trucks that can help alleviate logistical bottlenecks.

David Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of Plus, articulated the urgency of this initiative: "Driverless trucks are a necessary solution to address Japan's acute truck driver shortages and an aging workforce. We are excited to leverage our technology and our expertise in deploying autonomous trucks to facilitate the rollout of these innovative vehicles in Japan with TIER IV."

This partnership not only aims to deploy driverless trucks but also to contribute to broader government-led efforts to develop open datasets and standardized protocols for autonomous vehicles. By collaborating closely with Japanese vehicle manufacturers and stakeholders, Plus and TIER IV are poised to create tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the Japanese transport sector.

As the logistics industry in Japan evolves, the introduction of fully autonomous trucks signifies a transformational shift. With the academic and policy groundwork being laid to support this initiative, Plus and TIER IV's partnership sets a promising precedent for the future of transportation in Japan. By prioritizing technological integration and cooperation with government initiatives, the two companies are well on their way to redefining the trucking landscape in Japan entirely.

In summary, the collaboration between Plus and TIER IV presents a forward-thinking approach to solving pressing industry challenges through advanced automation technologies. As they embark on this journey, the implications for efficiency, safety, and sustainability in freight transport are profound, potentially setting the stage for similar innovations worldwide.