Haneda Airport is testing a driverless vehicle to address labor shortages amid a surge in tourism.
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is trialing a driverless vehicle to tow cargo containers, aiming to mitigate labor shortages as tourist numbers rise. The vehicle, developed by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Toyota Industries, can tow up to 13 tons of containers.
The driverless vehicle can pull up to six containers at a time, covering a distance of around two kilometers between aircraft and airport buildings. Operating under Level 4 autonomy, it requires no human interaction in certain settings, although a human driver can still take control if needed. The vehicle has been in operation since July 1.
This trial, the first of its kind at a Japanese airport, is part of government-backed initiatives to innovate the air transport industry. ANA and Toyota Industries aim to have the vehicle fully operational by the end of next year.
Japan faces significant challenges with an aging population and labor shortages in various sectors. Kansai Airport in Osaka claims never to have lost a bag, but Japan’s goal to double tourist numbers to 60 million by 2030 adds pressure on infrastructure. This year, aviation fuel supply issues have already been reported, leading the government to establish a task force.
Japan has allowed Level 4 self-driving vehicles on public roads since last year, with trials being implemented in various sectors to address labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency.
