Japan to build 300-mile conveyor belt amid driver shortage due to ageing population
Representative image of a conveyor belt
Japan is planning to build a 300-mile conveyor belt (autoflow-road network) between Tokyo and Osaka for better efficiency in transportation.
They aim to deal with two problems with this high-tech road. First, an automated belt will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a great extent. Secondly, it will also help Japan deal with the shortage of delivery drivers they are currently facing. This automated road will ensure smooth cargo transportation across Japan.
The pressing problem of shortage of delivery drivers
Japan is currently facing a shortage of delivery drivers due to the rapid ageing of the population. This is a significant problem for Japan as it slows down the transportation system of the nation.
Watch |Germany cracks down on terror propagation
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
36,000-pound thrust: 5 ways China's J-20 fighter jet's new engine can completely changes the aerial balance
)
'We pulled it off without firing a missile': Former US President Barack Obama's BIG statement on Iran
)
‘This is false’: Tulsi Gabbard’s office denies whistleblower claims on CIA raid and MKUltra files seizure
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Sleep Deprived': How the USS Abraham Lincoln crew survives endless night operations
)
India fuel prices hiked: Petrol, diesel prices jump Rs 3 despite govt’s ‘ample stock’ claim | Check city wise prices HERE
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Robotic warfare’: How the Chengdu J-20 can rewrite the rules of aerial combat
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Petrol vs diesel: Which car engine really saves more money in daily driving?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Indian rupee becomes Asia’s worst-performing currency- Who else is on the list?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why cars use more fuel in city traffic than on highways
)
Cannes Film Festival 2026: Vin Diesel breaks down during ’Fast & Furious’ screening, remembers Paul Walker: 'I'm going to go shed a tear real quick'
)
Saudi Arabia, UAE separately launched retaliatory strikes on Iran amid regional conflict: Report
)
Elon Musk goes viral for spinning and filming like a tourist during Trump’s China visit
)
Trump-Xi meet marred by day of altercations: US media and Chinese security officers clash at Temple of Heaven - VIDEO
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘100+ km/h penalty’: How much extra fuel do cars use at high speeds?
)
'US citizen since....'This is why Diljit Dosanjh can't enter the political world in India!
)
'Made in Pakistan' fan donated to UP madrasa triggers probe
)
India's Green Mirage: Northeast is quietly losing its forest cover while India celebrates gains
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Top 7 most economically stable countries in world: India & Pakistan ranking will surprise you
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why defense analysts believe China’s Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter program has entered a dangerous new era
)
Delhi announces mandatory 2-day WFH, suspend all non-essential foreign travel for government employees
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Xi wants China-US to transcend 'Thucydides Trap': What the term means and what are its origins | WION Decodes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Hydraulic Arms': How the USS Abraham Lincoln pops up its emergency net
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 reasons why China is mass-producing Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jets faster than ever
)
NEET-UG 2026 paper leak originated from 'NTA source', CBI tells court; 2 more arrested
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How long can India survive US-Iran war oil shock? A look at our strategic reserves
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Night Vision': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln bans white flashlights on deck
)
‘I won’t lie for money’: German model LizLaz exposes media plot to defame Virat Kohli
)
Jana Nayagan on OTT: Vijay’s victory renews interest in his film, streaming platforms compete to get digital rights
)
Karuppu leaked in certain parts of North India ahead of theatrical release, makers initiate legal action
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC T20I rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Sun unleashes M-class solar flare, auroras could light up Earth this week. Details
)
Iran FM says Strait of Hormuz open to all vessels except nations 'at war with us'; says Tehran has 'no trust in US'
)
Dhurandhar 2 OTT Release: Netflix announces ‘Raw & Undekha’ revenge version in US and Canada: What about India?
)
‘Insane discipline’: Chinese officer goes viral for staying still as Trump’s Air Force One passes by | WATCH
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
In lawyer's robe, Mamata Banerjee appears at Calcutta High Court: Can she wear it legally?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Beyond human limits’: The terrifying AI upgrade inside China's J-20 stealth fighter
‘Sinking the carrier’: 5 ways China could use J-20 fighter jets against the US Navy
)
Noida protest accused was transferred Rs 1 crore in foreign currency to his bank account
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (May 15, 2026): Kartavya, Inspector Avinash, The WONDERfools- Watch 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Jana Nayagan release: CM Vijay takes action, asks producer to return from Cannes
According to Nomura Research Institute, it is estimated that conventional freight transportation will drop to 1.4 billion tonnes in 2030 compared to 1.43 billion tonnes in 2020.
In a grim situation like this, an automated road is what Japan needs. This conveyor belt would function 24 hours a day, with pallets holding up to one tonne of cargo. It is said that this automated belt would replace the job of 25,000 drivers per day.
An initiative towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions
According to the plan devised for the Autoflow-Road, the conveyor belts will be installed beneath highways, on ground tracks, along motorways, etc. This is an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase efficiency in transportation.
"The Autoflow-Road will not only address the logistics crisis but also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We would like to speedily proceed with discussions on the matter,"Transport Minister, Tetsuo Saito said during the unveiling ceremony.
(With inputs from agencies)
