Japan to build 300-mile conveyor belt to address driver shortage and cut emissions

Japan plans to build a 300-mile conveyor belt, known as the Autoflow-Road network, between Tokyo and Osaka. This high-tech road aims to improve transportation efficiency and address two major issues: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling the shortage of delivery drivers caused by the country’s ageing population.

The Autoflow-Road will feature conveyor belts installed beneath highways, on ground tracks, and along motorways. These automated belts will operate 24 hours a day, carrying pallets with up to one tonne of cargo each, and are expected to replace the work of 25,000 drivers daily.

Japan currently needs more delivery drivers due to its rapidly ageing population, slowing down the nation’s transportation system. The Nomura Research Institute estimates that conventional freight transportation will drop to 1.4 billion tonnes in 2030, down from 1.43 billion tonnes in 2020. In this challenging situation, the automated road system is seen as a crucial solution.

In addition to addressing the driver shortage, the Autoflow-Road is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito emphasized the dual benefits of the project during its unveiling ceremony, stating, “The Autoflow-Road will not only address the logistics crisis but also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We would like to speedily proceed with discussions on the matter.”

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