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 the transportation sector in Japan. With the government actively promoting the use of self-driving vehicles to address the shortage of bus and taxi drivers, companies like Boldly Inc. and Kajima Corp. are leading the way in introducing innovative solutions to enhance transportation efficiency.
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 buses, fully automated under certain conditions, will transport passengers along an 800-meter route at a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour. With remote monitoring capabilities, these 11-passenger vehicles will provide a convenient and safe mode of transportation for individuals navigating the complex.
Boldly Inc., a subsidiary of mobile carrier SoftBank Corp., and general contractor Kajima Corp. are spearheading this project, marking a significant milestone as the first private sector operators to obtain approval for providing a public service using a Level 4 autonomous vehicle. The successful implementation of these self-driving buses sets the stage for future endeavors, with plans to introduce autonomous driving vehicles connecting the complex and the airport on a 3.9-km round-trip route by 2026.
In a separate initiative, All Nippon Airways Co. and Toyota Industries Corp. recently conducted a groundbreaking trial run 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, showcased the potential for autonomous vehicles to revolutionize airport operations. Equipped with advanced cameras and sensors to detect obstacles, the driverless towing vehicle successfully transported containers between the tarmac and a nearby facility, demonstrating its safety and operability.
As Japanese firms continue to push the boundaries of autonomous transportation, the collaboration between technology companies and traditional industries is paving the way for a future where self-driving vehicles play a central role in enhancing efficiency and addressing labor shortages. With ongoing developments and trials showcasing the capabilities of autonomous vehicles, the transportation landscape in Japan is poised for a transformation that prioritizes innovation and sustainability.