Hino Motors, Ltd. has joined forces with road construction company Taisei Rotec to launch Japan’s first commercial operation of Level 4 autonomous trucks, marking a significant leap in heavy vehicle technology and infrastructure testing.
The initiative involves five unmanned Hino Profia (700 Series) prime mover and trailer combinations, running continuously on a 909-metre road surface testing track in Fukushima prefecture. Operating 24/7, the trucks evaluate road surface durability without human drivers – a first for Japan.
“Level 4 autonomous vehicles are capable of performing all driving tasks without human intervention and this is the first commercialised example within a designated operational area,” said Richard Emery, President and CEO of Hino Australia.
The testing program reduces the time and labour required to assess road surfaces, helping improve durability while lowering long-term emissions. Advanced lidar, camera systems, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems enable the trucks to detect obstacles, maintain safe distances, and transition between the test track and truckyard without human input.
The innovation aligns with Hino’s broader commitment to future technologies. In 2022, Australia’s first highly automated truck trial also used a Hino Profia in partnership with Transurban.
Mr Emery said the collaboration with Taisei Rotec “is more than just another example of Hino’s ongoing leadership in technology and innovation – it also demonstrates our commitment to trialling new and emerging technologies to ensure they meet the needs of our customers.”
Meanwhile, Hino Australia is pressing ahead with trials of its own alternative drivetrains. The light-duty Dutro (300 Series) Z-EV battery electric truck is currently undergoing customer testing in Australia, while Hino 300 Series Hybrid Electric trucks have been delivering fuel savings and emissions reductions for more than 15 years.
“We are in the unique situation where Hino is the only brand in Australia that is currently working on all three alternate drivetrain solutions – hybrid electric, hydrogen and battery electric,” said Mr Emery.
“Our 300 Series Hybrid Electric trucks have already proven savings of up to 24% in Wide Cab variants and 22% in Standard Cab, while our parent company has been trialling a heavy-duty hydrogen Profia for over two years.”
For the road transport sector, Hino’s global and local initiatives demonstrate how autonomous systems and cleaner powertrains will combine to shape the future of heavy vehicles – delivering safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations.
