Japan’s ‘Autoflow Road’: 500km Conveyor Belt to Replace 25,000 Truck Journeys

Japan is planning an innovative solution called the ‘autoflow road’ – a 500km conveyor belt system intended to replace truck transportation between Tokyo and Osaka. This innovative project proposes tunnels beneath motorways and alongside them on hard shoulders or central reservations.

The primary goal is to tackle Japan’s looming shortage of truck drivers, a problem also faced by economies like the US and UK. By 2030, Japan expects a significant drop in truck drivers due to retirement. According to a study by Nomura Research Institute, the overall number will reduce from 660,000 in 2020 to 480,000, potentially leaving 35% of cargo without transport.

Japan’s transport Minister Tetsuo Saito highlighted that besides addressing logistics challenges, the autoflow road aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the urgency of advancing discussions on the project.

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