The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has announced plans to conduct social experiments for dedicated lanes for autonomous delivery carts on highways, called "Autonomous Logistics Roads," by fiscal year 2027. The designated section includes the stretch between the under-construction Shin-Hadano Interchange in Kanagawa Prefecture and the Shin-Gotemba Interchange in Shizuoka Prefecture on the Shin-Tomei Expressway. These tests aim to verify the safety, speed, and cost-effectiveness of the autonomous carts, with a long-term goal of operational use on routes such as Tokyo to Osaka within the next decade. This decision was included in an interim report formulated by a panel of experts.

The Autonomous Logistics Roads will feature dedicated lanes on highway medians, shoulders, or underground spaces where autonomous carts will transport small parcels. As these carts operate without drivers, they are expected to be a significant solution to the logistics industry's impending issue of a shortage of truck drivers.

The ministry aims to launch initial routes in heavily congested metropolitan areas within ten years, starting with segments that require minimal modifications. The ultimate objective is to extend these routes from Tokyo to Osaka, connecting key logistics hubs such as freight rail stations, ports, airports, and warehouses to enhance cargo efficiency. By integrating with private sector redevelopment projects, the route selection will also consider boosting urban competitiveness through an improved logistics network.

Operating 24/7, these lanes will include holding spaces for temporary parcel storage to ensure timely delivery. As a vital social infrastructure accessible to numerous businesses, the project will explore business models that utilize private funding for construction and maintenance. (2024/07/26)