The Japanese government has announced plans to implement an innovative automated conveyor system called Autoflow-Road to transport goods over a distance of 500 km between Tokyo and Osaka. This project, led by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, aims to address the transportation crisis caused by a severe driver shortage and increasing demand for cargo.
According to Shuya Muramatsu, a senior official at the road economics research agency, Autoflow-Road is designed to optimize space by utilizing curbs, medians, and tunnels below the road surface. The project also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Engineers will utilize a high-capacity lifting system to transport up to one ton of cargo per pallet, operating continuously to enhance cargo carrying efficiency.
The high-tech conveyor belts promise to increase operational efficiency while alleviating the burden caused by the shortage of drivers. The Autoflow-Road system is expected to operate 24 hours a day and replace an estimated 25,000 trucks per day. With this innovative solution in place, Japan can address its freight transportation challenges and ensure efficient delivery of goods across the country.
Currently, Japan is facing a shortage of freight drivers due to an aging population. Research predicts that this trend will continue in the coming years with a decrease in freight transportation from 1.43 billion tons in 2020 to 1.4 billion tons in 2030. In rural areas like Honshu and Shikoku, where there are already limited options for shipping services due to labor shortages, the shortage of drivers will reach 41%. However, with Autoflow-Road in place, Japan can mitigate these challenges and ensure that goods reach their destinations on time.
Overall, Autoflow-Road represents an exciting development in Japan’s logistics industry that could revolutionize how goods are transported across long distances within the country. As more countries face similar challenges related to transportation and logistics infrastructure development during COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts worldwide
