RoboTruck Inc., a Tokyo based developer of autonomous driving systems for heavy trucks, has opened a new western Japan base in Keihanna Science City in Kyoto Prefecture. The facility will serve as the departure and arrival point for long distance test runs between the Kanto and Kansai regions. The company aims to support the social implementation of Level 4 autonomous trucks by the end of fiscal 2028.
Expanding Autonomous Testing to Kansai
The new base extends RoboTruck's previous demonstration activities from the Kanto-Chubu corridor to the Kansai region. In May, the company completed a 260 kilometer hands-free run on an expressway between Kanagawa and Aichi prefectures. The expanded testing will verify stable operation of the autonomous driving system and its response to complex traffic conditions as the operational area grows.
Strategic Location and Project Role
The base is located in the Kyoto Prefecture portion of Keihanna Science City, one of Japan's largest science cities. RoboTruck selected the area because of its strong access to major expressway interchanges, including the Joyo and Yawata-Kyotanabe interchange areas. The company will collect and analyze driving data, and it will also examine practical issues related to docking and trailer exchange during autonomous operations.
Leadership Perspectives
Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki welcomed the opening, saying that RoboTruck's decision reflects the region's access to the Shin-Meishin Expressway and its strength as a research and demonstration hub. He noted that Kyoto Prefecture is already advancing Level 4 autonomous bus trials in the same science city. Nishiwaki expressed hope that RoboTruck will help build a sustainable logistics system and serve as a key player in mobility innovation.
RoboTruck CEO Yusuke Haga said he was pleased to work with Kyoto Prefecture, his home region, to address the shortage of truck drivers. He said the company will work as one team to realize the future of autonomous trucking and contribute to Kyoto and Japan. The base will also support a project adopted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under its fiscal 2026 autonomous truck implementation support program.
Company Overview
RoboTruck was founded in April 2024 and is headquartered in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The company develops and provides autonomous driving systems for large trucks, positioning logistics operators as the main actors in autonomous transport operations. Its approach aims to address Japan's logistics crisis, including challenges associated with the 2024 regulatory change for truck driver working hours.
About Keihanna Science City
Keihanna Science City, formally known as Kansai Science City, extends across Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara prefectures. The national project covers around 15,000 hectares and hosts more than 160 research, university, and cultural facilities. Its location within 30 kilometers of central Kyoto and Osaka, and 10 kilometers of central Nara, makes it a suitable environment for advanced mobility testing.
The opening of the Kansai base represents a concrete step toward connecting Japan's two largest economic regions with autonomous freight operations. By combining public sector support, a research oriented location, and private sector technology development, RoboTruck intends to build operational evidence ahead of its 2028 target. The initiative also highlights how regional science cities can serve as testbeds for solving national logistics challenges.