Tests of autonomous trucks in Japan

TIER IV, in collaboration with Yamato Transport and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), has conducted feasibility studies for autonomous long-distance transportation in Japan. This initiative, which took place as part of a program by the Japanese government, aims to further develop autonomous driving technology and ultimately integrate Level 4 trucks into the logistics processes of the Yamato Group, as reported by TIER IV.

Test procedure and results

The tests were conducted between February 16 and 20, 2026, covering a distance of approximately 500 km between the Haneda Chronogate Base in Tokyo and the Kansai Gateway Base in Osaka. Two round trips were completed on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, with the tractor-trailer reportedly operating with Level 2+ technology over a distance of 100 km at maximum speed.

As part of the evaluation, various aspects of vehicle performance and safety were examined. This included the collection of trailer movement data, analysis of lane-keeping accuracy, and verification of the duration of disengagement. Environmental conditions and the driver’s decision-making criteria were also included in the assessment to analyze the necessity of manual interventions. According to TIER IV, the test results indicated that schedules could be adhered to as reliably as during manual driving, without any delays.

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