Japan Plans Conveyor Belt Road for Automated Cargo Transport
Innovative Solution to Address Labor Shortages in Logistics
Japan is set to construct a 'conveyor belt road' between Tokyo and Osaka, aiming to alleviate the country's worsening truck driver shortage due to its ageing population.
The automated cargo transport corridor, overseen by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, will facilitate a 24-hour, unmanned logistics system.
According to Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director at the ministry, Japan plans to commence trial runs in 2027 or early 2028, with full operations anticipated by the mid-2030s.
While the system will enhance business deliveries, human drivers will still be necessary for last-mile logistics.
This concept is not unique, as similar projects are underway in Switzerland and the UK.
Japan's ageing population, with 36.25 million citizens aged 65 and over in 2024, is projected to comprise 34.8% of the population by 2040, impacting labor availability and transport capacity.
A recent law limiting truck drivers' overtime has further highlighted the labor issue, dubbed a '2024 problem.'
The automated cargo transport corridor, overseen by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, will facilitate a 24-hour, unmanned logistics system.
According to Yuri Endo, a senior deputy director at the ministry, Japan plans to commence trial runs in 2027 or early 2028, with full operations anticipated by the mid-2030s.
While the system will enhance business deliveries, human drivers will still be necessary for last-mile logistics.
This concept is not unique, as similar projects are underway in Switzerland and the UK.
Japan's ageing population, with 36.25 million citizens aged 65 and over in 2024, is projected to comprise 34.8% of the population by 2040, impacting labor availability and transport capacity.
A recent law limiting truck drivers' overtime has further highlighted the labor issue, dubbed a '2024 problem.'
