Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to Test Autonomous Vehicle Transport Robots in Okinawa

TOKYO, Oct 30 — Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Systems (MHI-MS), a unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, will begin demonstration testing of autonomous vehicle transport robots in Okinawa from December 1. The trial, supported by the Okinawa Prefecture’s “Testbed Support Subsidy Program,” will be conducted at the Nakagusuku Port motor pool in Uruma.

The robots, jointly developed with French venture Stanley Robotics since 2021, autonomously move finished vehicles without requiring modifications or built-in autonomous systems. The technology is designed to enhance logistics at manufacturing plants, storage yards, and public facilities, addressing Japan’s labor shortages and the need for sustainable operations.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

MHI-MS, which holds seven domestic patents for the system, completed customization for Japanese conditions earlier this year. The demonstration will assess how autonomous robots can reduce the physical strain of outdoor vehicle handling, mitigate worker shortages, and contribute to decarbonization by cutting CO₂ emissions from gasoline-powered transport.

Okinawa, with one of Japan’s highest car ownership and rental rates, was chosen for its vibrant used-car market and pressing labor challenges in logistics. The tests will also explore digital transformation (DX) features such as automated yard management and vehicle tracking systems.

MHI-MS said the project represents its commitment to advancing “human-centered robotics” and sustainable industrial solutions. The results of the demonstration will inform future applications of autonomous transport technologies across Japan’s logistics and automotive sectors.

Business News