Japanese firms are making significant strides in the development and implementation of autonomous vehicles at Tokyo’s Haneda airport and its surrounding area. This move towards autonomous transportation comes as a response to the acute labor shortages faced by Japan, particularly in the transportation sector. With the government actively promoting the use of self-driving vehicles as a solution to the shortage of bus and taxi drivers, companies are stepping up to introduce innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable transportation services.
In Haneda Innovation City, a commercial and business complex located near the airport, Level 4 self-driving buses are set to revolutionize the way people move within the premises. These fully automated vehicles, capable of operating under certain conditions without human intervention, will transport passengers along an 800-meter route at a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour. The buses, which can accommodate up to 11 passengers, will be monitored remotely to ensure their safe and efficient operation.
The project at Haneda Innovation City is a collaboration between Boldly Inc., a subsidiary of mobile carrier SoftBank Corp. specializing in autonomous driving, and general contractor Kajima Corp., a key operator of the complex. In April, the bus operators became the first in the private sector to receive approval from authorities to provide a public service using a Level 4 vehicle. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the adoption of autonomous technology in Japan’s transportation sector.
Looking ahead, the two firms have ambitious plans to introduce autonomous driving vehicles that will link Haneda Innovation City and the airport on a 3.9-km round-trip route by around 2026. This expansion of autonomous transportation services will further enhance connectivity and convenience for travelers and commuters in the area, while also addressing the pressing need for innovative solutions to overcome labor shortages in the transportation industry.
In a separate initiative, All Nippon Airways Co. and Toyota Industries Corp. recently conducted a groundbreaking trial of a Level 4 towing vehicle at Haneda airport. This trial, the first of its kind conducted within the restricted area of a domestic airport, tested the safety and operability of a driverless towing vehicle equipped with cameras and sensors to navigate its surroundings. The successful demonstration paved the way for the companies to begin using the autonomous towing vehicle in 2025, further showcasing Japan’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology in the transportation sector.
As Japan continues to explore the potential of autonomous vehicles in addressing transportation challenges, collaborations between industry leaders and government initiatives will play a crucial role in driving innovation and shaping the future of mobility. With advancements in autonomous technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, the introduction of autonomous vehicles at Tokyo’s Haneda airport represents a significant step towards a more connected, accessible, and sustainable transportation ecosystem.