TIER IV, Yamato Transport and Mitsubishi Fuso conduct tests on Level 2+ semi-trailer truck for long-haul autonomous logistics

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TIER IV conducts Level 2+ semi-trailer truck trials for long-distance autonomous logistics with Yamato Transport and Mitsubishi Fuso

TOKYO, March 8, 2026 — TIER IV, a leader in open-source autonomous driving software, has successfully concluded proof-of-concept trials for long-distance autonomous trucking in partnership with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC). Conducted as part of a Japanese government initiative, the tests utilized a semi-trailer truck featuring Level 2+ technology to transport customer goods while evaluating safety protocols, vehicle performance, and operational procedures. The data and insights gathered will support the refinement of autonomous systems, with the ultimate objective of integrating Level 4 trucks into Yamato Group’s long-haul transportation network.

(PRNewsfoto/TIER IV,INC)

Summary

  • Dates: February 16-20, 2026
  • Path: Haneda Chronogate Base (Tokyo) to Kansai Gateway Base (Osaka). Two round trips (four legs) were completed on the approximately 500-km route. The vehicle utilized Level 2+ automation for 100 km on the Shin-Tomei Expressway between two service areas in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Assessment Areas

  • Safety and vehicle capabilities
    • Collection of trailer movement data, including articulation and sway trajectories.
    • Performance validation, monitoring lane-keeping accuracy and hands-off operation time.
    • Review of environmental conditions, driver decision-making, and factors leading to manual overrides.
  • Travel duration
    • Confirmation that Level 2+ operations maintained schedules as reliably as manual driving, without any delays.
  • Operational procedures
    • Testing systems that automate portions of pre-trip inspections, such as tire pressure monitoring.
    • Remote monitoring of the vehicle’s status and surroundings to prepare for future Level 4 deployment.

Driver Feedback

“There was an initial learning period, but I felt comfortable once I understood the system’s behavior. Looking forward, I hope autonomous trucks become dependable partners that help us maintain our transport capacity.”

Multimedia Assets

Videos and photos are available for download below.

  • Videos
    • Long-haul transport using Yamato Transport’s semi-trailer truck (Copyright Yamato Transport)
    • Development of the Level 2 automated tractor by TIER IV and MFTBC (Copyright MFTBC)
  • Photos
    • Long-distance operations with the semi-trailer truck (Copyright Yamato Transport)

About TIER IV

TIER IV is a deep-tech innovator at the forefront of autonomous driving, having pioneered Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for self-driving vehicles. Offering a full suite of platforms and services, TIER IV handles everything from software engineering and vehicle procurement to operational assistance. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV collaborates with global partners to develop intelligent mobility solutions that are safer, more sustainable, and accessible to everyone.

Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

Media contact
pr@tier4.jp

SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.

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