Autonomous driving technology developer TIER IV, in collaboration with Yamato Transport and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), completed simulation testing for long-haul self-driving truck operations in Japan.

The test, which took place from 16-20/2, was part of a Japanese government initiative to research the feasibility of future automated freight transport. A semi-trailer truck equipped with level 2+ self-driving technology transported customer goods between Yamato Transport's Haneda Chronogate center in Tokyo and its Kansai Gateway facility in Osaka.

Long-haul autonomous truck transport. Photo: Yamato Transport

During the trial, the vehicle completed two round trips on a route approximately 500 km long. The self-driving technology was utilized for about 100 km of the Shin-Tomei expressway, specifically between two service stations in Shizuoka prefecture.

The tests evaluated vehicle performance, safety systems, and operational procedures related to automated freight transport. The research team also collected data on trailer movement, including sway and articulation capability, lane-keeping accuracy, and the duration the vehicle could operate in "hands-off steering" mode.

This collected data will be used to further develop the autonomous driving system, with a long-term goal of deploying level 4 self-driving trucks, which would allow vehicles to operate fully autonomously under specific conditions.

One driver participating in the test stated, "Initially, I had to get used to the system, but once I understood how it operated, I felt quite reassured. In the future, I hope self-driving trucks become reliable partners, helping us maintain our transport capacity."

By Gia Han (Source: Manager Logistics)