A test run of a self-driving truck has begun on a highway near Tokyo.
The test for autonomous truck rides is an important prerequisite for the automated transport of goods. A legislative change that came into force this month in Japan allows autonomous vehicles to operate under certain conditions.
The test project is being conducted by T2, a company developing technology for self-driving trucks. The vehicle was under autonomous control during Wednesday’s test run, although a human was still behind the wheel. The company plans to start self-driving transportation services between Tokyo and Osaka from 2025.
The Japanese government plans to open lanes for driverless vehicles along some lanes in the next fiscal year Highway sections in central Japan set up. Level 4 vehicles should then move on it. The plan also serves to cushion Japan’s aging population. The route will be equipped with the appropriate sensors to make the traffic transparent.