TIER IV and Shunan Target Driverless Port Dump Truck Operations by 2028

Nov 12, 2026
TIER IV and Shunan Bulk Terminal will automate dump truck transport at the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu, with driverless operations planned by the end of 2028.

TIER IV and Shunan Bulk Terminal said in a press release they will automate dump truck transport at the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu in Japan. The companies plan to begin driverless operations by the end of 2028, with support from Tokuyama Corporation.

The autonomous truck will carry energy resources from Shunan Bulk Terminal's storage area to Tokuyama's power generation facilities. TIER IV and Shunan will develop the technology and operating procedures for the route, replacing operations that currently use drivers.

The truck will run on Idemitsu Renewable Diesel, a biofuel supplied by Idemitsu Kosan. The companies may later extend the autonomous system to similar transport routes around the port.

We hope you enjoyed this article

Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Robotics Brief, Industrial AI Weekly or Daily AI Brief.

Also, consider following us on social media:

AI & Robotics AI Brief AI Brief (X)
Free newsletter

Robotics Brief

Weekly coverage of AI-driven robotics advances in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and robotic systems.

Guide
Humanoid Robot Makers

Humanoid Robot Makers

Companies building humanoid robots, from startups to Tesla and Boston Dynamics

Industry analysis

2025 Global Business Services Agenda: Gen AI Takes Center Stage

The Hackett Group

This industry analysis by The Hackett Group explores the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) on global business services (GBS) in 2025. The study highlights the shift from exploration to acceleration of Gen AI initiatives, with 89% of executives advancing these projects to improve customer satisfaction, innovate products, and reduce costs. The report also discusses the challenges and strategies for successful Gen AI adoption, emphasizing the need for a technology-enabled operating model and the importance of reskilling the workforce.

Read more

You may also like

Free, six days a week

Daily AI Brief: the AI news that matters, in your inbox.