Tokyo's Haneda Airport tests involving driverless cargo vehicle
Date
7/17/2024 9:23:30 AM
(MENAFN) Tokyo's Haneda Airport has embarked on an innovative trial involving a driverless vehicle designed to tow cargo containers, aiming to address labor shortages amidst a surge in tourist arrivals. This cutting-edge vehicle, developed jointly by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Toyota Industries, has the capability to tow up to 13 tons of containers. It can handle up to six containers simultaneously, transporting them between aircraft and airport buildings over a distance of approximately two kilometers (1.2 miles) without a driver in the cab.
The vehicle, classified as Level 4, signifies that it operates without requiring human interaction in certain settings, though a human driver can still assume control if necessary. This autonomous vehicle has been in operation since July 1, and it represents the first trial of its kind at a Japanese airport. The initiative is part of a broader, government-backed effort to introduce technological innovations in the air transport industry. The companies involved aim to make the vehicle fully operational by the end of next year.
Meanwhile, Kansai Airport, which serves Osaka, boasts a record of never having lost a bag, yet Japan faces significant challenges in its goal to double tourist numbers to 60 million by 2030. The country is dealing with a rapidly aging population, which is the second oldest in the world, resulting in labor shortages across various sectors in its economy, which ranks fourth globally.
In addition to addressing labor shortages, Japan's airports have faced aviation fuel supply issues this year, prompting the government to establish a task force last month to tackle these problems. Trials of autonomous vehicles are not new to Japan, with the government having allowed Level 4 self-driving vehicles on public roads since last year. This initiative at Haneda Airport is a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to integrate autonomous technology into the country's transportation infrastructure, ensuring efficiency and mitigating workforce challenges.
MENAFN17072024000045015839ID1108450387
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.