Japanese Expressway Is Getting A Lane Just For Self

Sep 09, 2023

The 100 km stretch of highway will include sensors and cameras to monitor road conditions

A lane on Japan's busiest expressway will soon be dedicated to self-driving trucks as the country looks to ramp up the introduction of autonomous driving technologies.

Japanese media reports that the lane will run for approximately 100 km (62 miles) between Numazu and Hamamatsu. This section of the massive expressway running from Tokyo to Nagoya has three lanes on each side and has long and straight sections that should make it the ideal place to deploy self-driving trucks, Nikkei Asia reports.

The aim is for the lane to be operational in 2024. However, it won't simply be a matter of rolling out self-driving trucks and calling it a day. Instead, the lane will be outfitted with sensors and cameras that allow the road conditions to be monitored at all times. This system will help to alert the trucks if any objects are detected on the road and give them ample time to take avoiding action. Additionally, 5G communication networks will be required.

Read: Autonomous Trucks Could Replace 90% Of Humans On Long-Haul Routes

The plan believes that demand for autonomous trucks will be highest at night and is part of a broader road map from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to introduce more labor-saving technologies as Japan battles with an aging population. It is understood that final details about driving rules and the installation of the required sensors will be determined by the transport ministry, the industry ministry, and the expressway operator.

A final decision has yet to be made on whether human-operated vehicles will also be able to use the lane.

Nikkei Asia reports that momentum in the deployment of self-driving technologies in Japan has been slowed "because of the lack of legal clarity on advanced automation levels and the lack of necessary road infrastructure."