TuSimple Holdings begins Level 4 autonomous truck testing in Japan, potentially revolutionizing the nation’s freight industry with its AI technology. The move addresses Japan’s driver shortage issue, positioning TuSimple as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology.
What’s Happening
TuSimple, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has commenced Level 4 autonomous test runs on Japan’s most vital freight route. The route links the key cities of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
Why It Matters
Japan’s freight industry grapples with a serious challenge, primarily driven by a shortage of drivers and an aging population. A 2022 report from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revealed that over 45% of drivers in the nation’s transportation industry were 50 years or older. With the Japanese government planning to establish a self-driving lane by 2024 and allow commercial operation of Level 4 autonomous trucks by 2026, TuSimple’s move is timely and critical.
Key Points
TuSimple Japan, a subsidiary of TuSimple Holdings, finalized a series of safety validation and tests for its autonomous driving system on a locally manufactured truck in 2021. Regular testing began on the Tomei Expressway in January 2023.
TuSimple’s primary goal is to provide efficient, safe, and reliable autonomous truck solutions for the long-haul transportation industry. The company’s advanced AI technology is set to change the $4 trillion global truck freight industry.
Bottom Line
TuSimple is focused on developing a commercial-ready, fully autonomous (SAE Level 4) driving solution for long-haul heavy-duty trucks. As of March 2023, TuSimple’s trucks have clocked more than 10 million cumulative miles through testing, research, and freight delivery. The company made history in December 2021 when it successfully carried out the world’s first fully autonomous semi-truck run on public roads in Arizona, USA, without any human intervention. This initiative in Japan further solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the autonomous vehicle industry.
