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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Systems, Ltd. (MHI-MS) has delivered a cutting-edge Merging Support Information System to support Japan’s inaugural autonomous truck trial on the Shin-Tomei Expressway. This innovative system enables autonomous trucks to safely merge onto the main highway by providing crucial traffic information well in advance, allowing for timely speed adjustments.
The trial, spearheaded by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM), and Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited (NEXCO Central), marks a significant step towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous driving in Japan.
Key Highlights
- Advanced Traffic Awareness: The system provides autonomous trucks with real-time traffic data before they enter the acceleration lane, enabling precise speed adjustments for seamless merging.
- Infrastructure Integration: Developed by MHI-MS, the system features vehicle detection sensors along the highway and roadside processing units to relay critical information.
- Broad Compatibility: Non-autonomous vehicles equipped with dedicated receivers, such as ETC 2.0 or ITS Connect, can also benefit from the system’s data.
- Real-World Testing: The trial will see autonomous trucks operating on public roads during late-night hours, testing the system’s effectiveness in live conditions.
- National Initiative: This project aligns with Japan’s “Digital Lifeline Development Plan,” aiming to advance autonomous driving safety and operational efficiency.
The Merging Support Information System represents a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology. By leveraging sensors strategically placed along the highway, the system detects vehicles on the main road and communicates this data to autonomous trucks approaching the merge point. This early awareness allows the trucks to calculate an optimal merging speed, reducing the risk of disruptions to traffic flow and enhancing overall safety. The system is a key mechanism of the “Cooperative Vehicle/Infrastructure System,” addressing one of the toughest challenges for autonomous vehicles: merging onto busy highways.
Beyond its immediate application in the trial, the system’s compatibility with non-autonomous vehicles equipped with receivers like ETC 2.0 or ITS Connect underscores its potential to enhance road safety across a broader spectrum of vehicles. This initiative is a vital component of Japan’s “Digital Lifeline Development Plan,” which seeks to create a safer and more efficient transportation network through the integration of advanced technologies. The trial will take place on a section of the Shin-Tomei Expressway, specifically between Surugawan-Numazu SA/SIC and Hamamatsu SA/SIC, with a priority lane designated for autonomous trucks during late-night hours.
MHI Group, leveraging its extensive experience in sensing and communication technologies from toll collection and ETC systems, views this project as a pivotal opportunity to advance autonomous driving infrastructure. By supporting the development of roadway-to-vehicle information systems, MHI Group is committed to fostering a safer and more convenient future for mobility. This trial, set to begin on March 3, builds on previous experiments and aims to validate the system’s performance in real-world conditions, paving the way for next-generation transportation solutions.
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