Enabling Automated Logistic Transportation Via Robotics

The METI of Japan has revised its logistics act, making space for automated and efficient transportation via robotics intervention.                   

FREMONT, CA: The logistics sector is a wide sector requiring increased manpower to attain efficiency in the transportation process. However, the very industry in Japan has undergone a series of transitions, facing serious threats like labour shortages. To resolve this rising concern, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) in Japan is reshaping its practices to support the development and implementation of automated delivery robots in the nation. A revision in the Road Traffic Act has been passed recently, following which robot operation on public roads has become highly possible since April 2023.

The regulation was imposed after the press event conducted at the end of March at a METI site, showcasing the latest advancements in delivery robots. The event mainly featured eight automated robots from eight varied businesses, demonstrating their operation and utilisation with increased efficiency in practical scenarios.

The METI in Japan launched a public-private council and held a series of discussions with the industrial sector, related ministries and agencies, and several other stakeholders. The major agenda item of this meeting was to effectively operate automated delivery robots on public roads. The revised Road Traffic Act that came into force on April 1, 2023, by the METI aims at allowing robots that meet the conditions of specific size and structure requirements to operate on public roads with approval, provided that related businesses file the necessary notifications.

The deputy director-general for commerce and service industry policy and representative director of the robot delivery association briefed about these monumental achievements and screened robots in action for press observation. This screening process demonstrated robots performing similar duties to those of actual utilisation scenarios, like driving in straight lines, taking turns at crucial times, executing basic actions, and unlocking a locker to retrieve a product. The robots were also trained to quickly apply brakes in response to the individual who is driving on the road along with them, be it in front, adjacent, back, or the opposite direction.

Automated robots are permitted to travel on sidewalks and other public spaces, per these designed patterns. However, it is crucial to raise awareness and acceptance among pedestrians regarding the same to avoid accidents and mishaps on roads. The METI aims to effectively collaborate with the Robotic Delivery Association to increase public awareness of these robots and communicate the capabilities of this technology and services to individuals. Hence, implementing robots in the logistics space aims at automating the delivery process while accelerating the efficiency rate via educating the public and, thus, enhancing the social acceptance of robots in Japan.