This article explains the feasibility and benefits of Level 4 autonomous driving.

<Addressing the driver shortage in the logistics industry>

Until now, truck drivers have worked in harsh conditions where long working hours were the norm. In recent years, in particular, the rapid expansion of online shopping has led to an increase in home delivery packages, and working hours tend to become even longer.

To improve this situation and protect the health of drivers, the Work Style Reform Act was applied to the logistics industry from April 1, 2024. This introduced an annual limit on the amount of overtime work that truck drivers can do.

However, this legal reform has also created new challenges. The restriction on overtime hours has reduced the amount of cargo a single driver can transport in a day, which is beginning to affect the sales and profits of logistics companies. Furthermore, problems such as labor shortages and delivery delays are becoming more apparent.

In addition, from April 1, 2023, the overtime premium rate for overtime work exceeding 60 hours per month was raised from 25% to 50% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The logistics industry is also included, and many SMEs in the logistics sector have seen a significant increase in labor costs, putting pressure on their operations.

Thus, the logistics industry, in which small and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately 99%, is facing a major turning point due to the "Logistics 2024 Problem," which presents a dual burden of declining transportation capacity and rising costs.

If you are interested in efficient delivery achieved through map data, please check out this document.

Source: All Japan Trucking Association, "Labor Relations Laws and Regulations Have Been Amended"

<The current state of local transportation>

<What the community is asking for>

Autonomous driving is classified into six levels, from Level 0 to Level 5, depending on the technology installed and the driver. As the level increases, the scope of automation and the system's responsibility expand.

The big difference between Level 2 and Level 3

Levels 1 and 2 are driver assistance levels.

Even when a system can simultaneously control acceleration, braking, and steering, the ultimate responsibility for driving rests with the driver. The driver must constantly monitor their surroundings and be ready to take over control at any time. However, the situation changes significantly at Level 3. Under certain conditions, the system becomes the primary driver and operates the vehicle. The responsibility for driving while the system is in operation essentially shifts to the system, and the driver does not need to take immediate action.

In other words,

Up to Level 2, the stage is "a human drives, and the system provides assistance."
Level 3 and above is the stage where "the system takes over the driving."

That's a major difference.

What stage is Level 4?

Level 4 is a level of autonomous driving where the system handles all driving operations, although it is limited to specific driving areas and conditions.

The areas in which the vehicle can operate are limited to pre-defined areas (such as specific urban areas or dedicated routes), but within that range, the vehicle will automatically travel to its destination without driver intervention. A key feature is that the system handles everything, including emergency situations. In other words, Level 4 can be described as the stage where the vehicle is automatically transported to its destination within a limited area.

Current status of passenger cars

Currently, most passenger cars sold in Japan primarily feature Level 2 driver assistance functions. While they include features such as lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control on highways, these are still driver-assisted systems where the driver remains the primary driver.

While Level 4 autonomous driving is being tested in some areas and limited services are underway, it has not yet reached the stage of being widely adopted in ordinary passenger cars. Therefore, the passenger cars we use every day have not yet reached Level 4, which is the level of truly autonomous driving.

GeoTechnologies, Inc. is developing MapFan ADAS, a map data system that provides more detailed map data than SD maps and can be used with ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), which can contribute to the realization of Level 4 autonomous driving. If you are interested in how MapFan ADAS can help reduce traffic accidents, please see this document.

Level 4 autonomous driving achieves a state of "brain off," where the driver does not need to consciously control the vehicle.
Its widespread adoption is expected to bring significant benefits not only to individuals but to society as a whole.

1. Maintaining local public transportation

The first thing that is expected is the maintenance of local public transportation.
In areas experiencing depopulation, the decline in bus ridership and the aging of drivers are leading to service reductions and route closures. As a result, securing transportation options has become a major challenge, particularly for the elderly.

The widespread adoption of Level 4 autonomous buses will enable driverless operation within specific areas. This will alleviate driver shortages and labor cost issues, making it more realistic to maintain routes and service frequencies. Stable operation is expected to increase ridership, allowing for the reconstruction of autonomous buses as a vital part of local transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, the introduction of autonomous driving will demonstrate the region's progressive spirit, fostering a sense of pride and attachment among residents.

If autonomous driving can be used to maintain local public transportation, it will also contribute to the realization of the smart city concept advocated by the government.For more information on the relationship between autonomous driving and the smart city concept, please refer to this article.

2. Addressing the driver shortage

The logistics and public transportation sectors continue to face a serious driver shortage. Due to factors such as an aging workforce, long working hours, and the impact of labor hour regulations imposed by the so-called "2024 problem," securing personnel is becoming increasingly difficult each year.
If Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses become practical, unmanned operation will be possible in areas that meet certain conditions, such as highways and specific zones. This will not only reduce the burden on drivers but also lead to lower labor costs and improved profitability. While not everything will be unmanned immediately, it is expected to be an effective means of compensating for the chronic labor shortage.

3. Reduction of traffic accidents

One of the most significant benefits expected from the widespread adoption of Level 4 safety measures is a reduction in traffic accidents.
Many traffic accidents are attributed to human error, such as distracted driving or inattentive driving. In Level 4 autonomous driving, the system handles all driving operations within a limited area. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce accidents caused by driver errors or inattention. It is believed that reducing accidents caused by human error will also lead to a decrease in fatalities and serious injuries.

4. Relief from traffic congestion

The next benefit is the reduction of traffic congestion.
Traffic congestion is caused not only by accidents and construction, but also by natural congestion resulting from inappropriate following distances and unconscious deceleration. In particular, on uphill slopes and near tunnels, congestion occurs when drivers unconsciously slow down, causing following vehicles to brake in a chain reaction. Level 4 vehicles can maintain a constant speed and appropriate following distance while driving stably. When vehicles drive in a coordinated manner, the flow of traffic becomes smoother, and congestion can be expected to be alleviated or suppressed.

5. Effective use of travel time

Another major advantage of Level 4 is the effective use of travel time.
Normally, drivers need to concentrate on driving, but in Level 4, they are freed from driving under certain conditions. This time can then be used for work, reading, resting, or other activities.
Previous estimates suggest that traffic congestion and other factors waste approximately 40 hours per driver per year. The widespread adoption of autonomous driving technology would allow this time to be used more productively, leading to significant economic benefits for society as a whole.

The government has published a document titled "Initiatives toward the realization of autonomous driving, aiming for Level 4."

Regarding the relationship between autonomous driving and maps, there was once a view that "maps are not essential for autonomous driving." However, that perception is changing dramatically now.

For example, obstacles such as buildings and large vehicles may prevent LiDAR and cameras from directly recognizing traffic lights and signs. Furthermore, it's not easy to instantly and accurately grasp complex intersections and merging points a short distance ahead using sensors alone. High-precision map data is becoming essential as a foundation for understanding this "invisible information" and "future road conditions" in advance.

Furthermore, the data acquired by LiDAR and cameras is enormous, and analyzing and interpreting it from scratch each time places a heavy computational burden on the system. Therefore, in recent years, the mainstream approach in autonomous driving systems has become to streamline processing and reduce the computational burden by performing recognition and decision-making while referring to pre-prepared map information.

Furthermore, in the development of AD/ADAS, not only is real-world vehicle testing essential, but the construction of a simulation environment is also indispensable. GeoTechnologies, Inc. possesses OpenDRIVE format map data and people flow data that can be used for simulations. If you are interested in OpenDRIVE format data, please check the related materials.

The government's plan for Level 4 autonomous driving

Commercial vehicles, such as public transport, and private cars are each pursuing different paths to achieve autonomous driving.

Because there are many challenges to achieving fully autonomous driving (Level 5), demonstrations and implementations of unmanned autonomous driving are being prioritized with commercial vehicles, where the driving area and conditions can be easily limited.

Meanwhile, in the private vehicle sector, multiple automakers are developing advanced driver assistance technologies that can be used over a wide range of vehicles. It is expected that the technologies and knowledge accumulated through their initial deployment in commercial vehicles will be utilized in the mass production development of private vehicles in the future.

<Reference> Government's efforts toward Level 4 autonomous driving

Following the government's efforts to realize autonomous driving, private companies are also working to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving.

Here, we introduce examples of initiatives to address urgent issues.

① Initiatives toward Level 4 autonomous driving ("RoAD to the L4" demonstration experiment)

Currently, Level 4 autonomous driving implementation and testing are underway throughout Japan. Various initiatives are being implemented, such as unmanned operation services and the use of dedicated lanes, tailored to the characteristics of each region.

■ Shin-Tomei Expressway

On the Shin-Tomei Expressway, which connects Tokyo and Nagoya, demonstrations of autonomous driving on expressways are underway.
- Develop a 6-lane section parallel to the existing Tomei Expressway.
- A priority lane for autonomous vehicles will be established between Suruga Bay Numazu SA and Hamamatsu SA.
- Conducted a demonstration experiment of autonomous driving for trucks.
This initiative is attracting attention as a step towards implementing Level 4 in the logistics sector.

■ Hitachi BRT (Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

In Hitachi City, efforts are underway to utilize former railway tracks for bus-only lanes (BRT).
- Develop the former railway line into a bus-only road space (to prevent the mixing of general vehicles and bicycles).
- Starting February 3, 2025, we will begin long-term commercial operation of our Level 4 autonomous driving service with a crew member on board.
We are currently implementing measures with a view to transitioning to a future remote monitoring Level 4 system.
By utilizing dedicated spaces, we achieve both safety and speed of implementation.

■ Kashiwanoha (Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture)

In the Kashiwanoha area of Kashiwa City, efforts are underway to implement Level 4 mobility services in an urban area.
- Aiming to implement Level 4 autonomous driving mobility services within fiscal year 2025.
• Development of a collaborative system with a view to expanding to other regions.
- Promote the standardization of the evaluation environment and the development of common specifications for roadside equipment and data linkage platforms.
As a model case for urban smart cities, we are advancing autonomous driving and infrastructure integration.

■ Eiheiji Town, Fukui Prefecture

In Eiheiji Town, an autonomous driving service is being implemented using the site of a disused railway line.
- Utilizing abandoned railway lines as dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths for autonomous vehicles.
To cope with the driving conditions in mountainous areas, we have introduced small electric carts that use electromagnetic induction wires.
- First in Japan to receive Level 4 certification under the Road Transport Vehicle Act (obtained in March 2023)
- Permit for specific automated operation based on the Road Traffic Act (obtained in May 2023)
Currently, it is actually operating as an unmanned, autonomous driving mobility service.
<Reference> UD TRUCKS Homepage

② Initiatives for autonomous buses (Hiratsuka City's autonomous bus demonstration experiment)

In Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, a demonstration experiment using autonomous buses is underway with the aim of maintaining local public transportation and addressing the driver shortage. The experiment uses an existing bus route (Hiratsuka 15 system: approximately 4.3 km) in the Hiratsuka Station South Exit area as the route, and is being implemented through collaboration between the local government, transportation operators, and technology companies. The demonstration experiment is being conducted at autonomous driving level 2, where a driver is on board while the system handles the operation of the bus, with the goal of achieving level 4 operation in the future.

The vehicles used will include the "Erga EV Autonomous Driving Bus," a large route bus provided by Isuzu Motors, and the data acquired through the experiment will be used to help automate local public transportation in the future.

Furthermore, several media outlets have reported that Hino Motors, an automobile manufacturer, is planning to provide comprehensive services related to autonomous buses in preparation for the future evolution of mobility services. This will not simply involve manufacturing and selling vehicles, but will be pursued as a "mobility service business" that provides operation management and the entire service as a package.

Hino Motors has a long track record of manufacturing buses and trucks in the commercial vehicle sector, and is strengthening its efforts to commercialize and popularize next-generation transportation services, including autonomous driving, through future technological integration and the development of new operating models.

In this article, we've covered the urgent challenges that need to be addressed, an overview of Level 4 autonomous driving, the relationship between maps and autonomous driving, and specific initiatives being undertaken by private companies, all of which are part of the government's goal of achieving Level 4 autonomous driving.

The practical application of autonomous driving is not merely a technological innovation; it is a crucial initiative for maintaining infrastructure that supports our lives, such as local transportation and logistics, for the future. We hope you will gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

GeoTechnologies, Inc. will contribute to the practical application and social implementation of autonomous driving through digital mapping technology.

GeoTechnologies, Inc.We possess high-precision maps that can be used for autonomous driving, especially for expressways. If you are interested in these high-precision maps, please contact us here.  

Simulation is essential for the development GeoTechnologies, Inc.autonomous driving (AD/ADAS). Geotechnologies possesses OpenDRIVE format map data and people flow data that can be used for simulations.If you are interested in OpenDRIVE format data,please check this document.