The logistics industry has been facing significant challenges, including labor shortages. To address this issue, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Japan has been working to support the development and introduction of automated delivery robots in society. With the recent revision of the Road Traffic Act, these robots are allowed to operate on public roads starting April 2023.
To showcase the latest advancements in delivery robots, METI and the Robot Delivery Association jointly held a press event end of March at a METI site. The event featured eight automated robots from eight related businesses, demonstrating their operation and utilization in practical scenarios.
Since launching a public-private council in 2019, METI has held ongoing discussions with the industrial sector, related ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve the operation of automated delivery robots on public roads. The recent enactment of the Act of Partial Revision of the Road Traffic Act on April 1, 2023, allows robots that meet specific size or structure requirements to operate on public roads, provided related businesses file the necessary notifications.
During the event, Sawai Shun, Deputy Director-General for Commerce and Service Industry Policy, and Dr. Sato Tomomasa, Representative Director of the Robot Delivery Association, delivered speeches before the press observed the robots in action. The demonstration featured the robots performing actions similar to actual utilization scenarios, including driving in straight lines, turning, executing basic actions, quickly braking in response to a person appearing in front of the robot, and unlocking a locker to retrieve a product.
As automated delivery robots are permitted to travel on sidewalks and other public spaces, it is crucial to raise awareness and acceptance among pedestrians. METI plans to work closely with the Robot Delivery Association to increase public awareness of these robots and communicate the benefits of their services, ultimately enhancing social acceptance of the robots.