In a strategic move to advance autonomous trucking in Japan, AI-driven autonomous trucking software developer Plus has announced a partnership with Tier IV, a pioneer in open-source autonomous driving technology. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and deployment of ‘Autonomy 2.0’ solutions, beginning with Level 4 autonomous trucks on Japan’s expressways. This initiative aligns with the Japanese government’s push to fast-track autonomous vehicle technology as a response to the country’s mounting truck driver shortage.
Addressing Japan’s Critical Trucking Challenges
Japan faces a severe shortage of truck drivers, with a study by the Nomura Research Institute predicting a 36% shortfall by 2030. The aging workforce and declining number of new drivers have intensified the need for autonomous solutions. Recognizing this challenge, Plus and Tier IV are leveraging their expertise to create a cutting-edge autonomous driving system tailored specifically for the Japanese market.
A Unique Synergy for Advanced Autonomous Driving
The partnership will integrate Plus’s end-to-end virtual driver AI with Tier IV’s platform, which is built on ‘Autoware’—the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving. By combining Plus’s AI-based trucking technology, already powering Level 4 autonomous trucks for major global manufacturers such as Traton Group’s Scania, MAN, International, Iveco Group, and Hyundai, with Tier IV’s extensive experience in Japan’s autonomous driving ecosystem, the collaboration is set to bring unprecedented advancements in self-driving technology to the country.
Tier IV’s CEO, Shinpei Kato, emphasized the significance of co-creation in achieving rapid advancements in autonomous mobility. “We believe that working collaboratively with partners like Plus is the most effective way to deliver the best autonomous driving systems to the world. Plus has a proven track record of deploying autonomous trucks globally, making them the ideal partner to accelerate the adoption of Autonomy 2.0-based solutions in Japan.”
Pioneering Autonomous Freight Transportation
The joint effort between Plus and Tier IV goes beyond software development. By working closely with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and leveraging Tier IV’s extensive experience in autonomous truck projects involving Japanese vehicle manufacturers, the companies aim to revolutionize freight transportation in Japan. This initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and provide a sustainable solution to the industry’s labor shortage.
David Liu, CEO and co-founder of Plus, echoed this vision: “Driverless trucks are a crucial solution for Japan’s trucking industry as it grapples with labor shortages and an aging workforce. By harnessing our AV2.0 Generative AI-based technology and extensive experience in deploying autonomous trucks with global manufacturers, we are eager to collaborate with Tier IV in accelerating the rollout of driverless trucks in Japan.”
A Step Towards the Future of Logistics
The Plus-Tier IV partnership signifies a major leap in autonomous trucking for Japan. By integrating state-of-the-art AI-driven solutions with proven open-source platforms, the collaboration will help pave the way for safer, more efficient, and scalable autonomous freight transportation. As both companies continue to push technological boundaries, this initiative is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of driverless trucking in Japan and beyond.
