The Japanese government recently announced plans to introduce a high-tech automatic conveyor network called Autoflow-Road that will transport goods over a distance of 500 km between Tokyo and Osaka. This new project, spearheaded by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, aims to address the transportation crisis caused by a severe driver shortage and rising demand for cargo, as reported by Interesting Engineering on June 26.
The goal of the Autoflow-Road project is to ensure continuous and efficient transportation of goods. Shuya Muramatsu, a senior official at the road economics research agency, explains that the system is designed to optimize space by utilizing curbs, medians, and tunnels below the road surface. Additionally, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by building multiple automated conveyors in tunnels beneath major highways, elevated roads, or sidewalks.
Engineers will implement a high-capacity lifting system to transport up to one ton of cargo per pallet, operating continuously to enhance cargo carrying efficiency. The use of high-tech conveyor belts promises to increase operational efficiency while reducing the burden caused by the shortage of drivers. The government project also seeks to reduce GHG and other pollutants by replacing conventional truck transportation, helping Japan meet its environmental goals and improve air quality.
Currently, Japan is facing a shortage of freight drivers due to a rapidly aging population, which poses a threat to the freight transportation industry. Research suggests that the shortage of drivers will exacerbate the situation in both urban and rural areas. In response, the government plans for the Autoflow-Road system to operate 24 hours a day, aiming to replace 25,000 trucks per day and increase operational efficiency in the face of a shrinking workforce in the industry.