The automatic cargo conveyor belt is 500 km long

A new project by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism aims to address the transportation crisis caused by a severe driver shortage and rising demand for cargo, Interesting Engineering reported on June 26. Through building an automated conveyor network, the government hopes to ensure continuous and efficient transportation of goods.

According to Shuya Muramatsu, a senior official at the road economics research agency, Autoflow-Road is designed to make the most of space by taking advantage of curbs, medians and tunnels below the road surface. In addition, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Autoflow-Road system currently in the planning stages will consist of multiple automated conveyors installed in tunnels beneath major highways, elevated roads or sidewalks.

Engineers will apply a high-capacity lifting system to transport up to one ton of cargo per pallet, operating continuously to enhance cargo carrying efficiency. High-tech conveyor belts promise to increase operational efficiency, while reducing the burden caused by the shortage of drivers. The government project also seeks to reduce GHG and other pollutants by replacing conventional truck transportation. This will help reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and fine particles, helping Japan meet its environmental goals, improving air quality and reducing the impact of the shipping industry. As expected, Autoflow-Road will operate 24 hours a day, capable of replacing 25,000 trucks per day.

Currently, Japan is facing a shortage of freight drivers due to a rapidly aging population, threatening to lead to a crisis in the freight transportation industry. Research conducted by Nomura Research Institute estimates that freight transportation will decrease from 1.43 billion tons in 2020 to 1.4 billion tons in 2030. However, a shortage of drivers makes the situation worse, especially rural areas. Research shows that the region and Shikoku will lack 41% of drivers and the shipping industry will not be able to meet freight demand within the next 6 years.