Japan Plans Automated Conveyor Belt Between Major Cities
The Japanese government plans to connect major cities with automated zero-emissions logistics links to efficiently shift millions of tons of cargo and reduce road traffic. The project, discussed since February by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism ministry, aims to complete an initial link between Tokyo and Osaka by 2034.
This initiative addresses labor shortages and the rise in online shopping, anticipating a 30% shortfall in delivery capacity by 2030. The proposed system could replace 25,000 trucks by moving cargo via automated pallets on conveyor belts or electric carts over a 500-km distance. The ministry is seeking private funding for the project, which also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.