Japan plans automated road between Tokyo and Osaka to address driver shortages and delivery demand (YouTube @mlitchannel)
Japan is developing an innovative project to connect Tokyo and Osaka via a “conveyor road“, an automated route designed to address the growing demand for delivery services and the shortage of drivers.
This road, which will feature a 24-hour automated transport system, will allow large containers to move along the highway, with automated forklifts loading the items. The goal is to relieve pressure on the logistics workforce and reduce carbon emissions.
Construction of the road between the two cities, covering a distance of 515 km, is expected to begin testing in 2027, with full operation slated for the mid-2030s.
+ Click here to watch the automated road simulation video
The estimated cost of the project is up to $23.9 billion due to the need for numerous tunnels. If successful, the project could be expanded to other regions of Japan, although drivers will still be needed for door-to-door deliveries until driverless vehicles are introduced.
The shortage of truck drivers, who transport about 90% of goods in Japan, has worsened due to a law limiting overtime hours for these professionals, creating a significant gap in the workforce. The demand for deliveries, which surged during the 2020 pandemic, continues to grow, further accelerating the need for automated solutions like the new road, which could perform the work of thousands of drivers daily.
Source: The Guardian | Photo: YouTube @mlitchannel | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
