Toyota Tsusho has begun public road demonstration tests of autonomous semi-trailer trucks in Japan as part of an initiative to assess the feasibility of self-driving freight transport on major highway routes.
The trials are being conducted between logistics hubs near expressway interchanges in Shizuoka Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture and form part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) “Demonstration Project for the Social Implementation of Autonomous Truck-based Trunk Line Transportation.”
The project is being carried out by a five-company consortium led by Toyota Tsusho. Other participants include Robotruck Inc., Otsuka Warehouse Co., Ltd., Seino Transportation Co., Ltd. and Fukuyama Transporting Co., Ltd..
According to the consortium, the tests focus on evaluating safety, operational performance and profitability of autonomous semi-trailers for long-distance freight transport.
The demonstration runs from February 13 through March 12, 2026. During the trial, a single semi-trailer truck equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving technology will operate on sections of the Shin‑Tomei Expressway and Tomei Expressway.
Level 2 automation allows the vehicle to perform certain driving tasks under supervision while a human driver remains in the cab to monitor operations and intervene when necessary.
The truck used in the trial was developed by Robotruck Inc., which is responsible for system development and test operations within the consortium.
Toyota Tsusho said semi-trailers are well suited for autonomous freight operations because they provide higher cargo capacity than conventional trucks and allow trailers to be detached for loading and unloading, reducing turnaround time at logistics facilities.
The company has previously conducted autonomous truck tests under programs led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and MLIT focused on developing high-performance highway freight vehicles.
The latest project aims to move beyond technical testing and examine how autonomous trucks could be integrated into real logistics operations, including operational frameworks and business models.
Toyota Tsusho said insights from the trials will be used to guide further development toward potential commercial deployment beginning in fiscal year 2027.