Applied Intuition, a vehicle software provider based in Silicon Valley, and Isuzu Motors, a Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer, have entered a strategic partnership to develop autonomous trucking solutions. This collaboration is intended to support Isuzu’s efforts to enhance commercial logistics in Japan, amid ongoing concerns about a shortage of truck drivers.
Isuzu’s mid-term management plan – Isuzu Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX) – was announced in April 2024 and includes a focus on establishing automated driving solutions as a new area of growth. Combined with Applied Intuition’s technology, which supports the development, validation and deployment of autonomous systems, Isuzu aims to accelerate its autonomy projects and contribute to resolving the driver shortage and logistics challenges in Japan.
“Working with Applied Intuition will greatly advance autonomous driving technology development and provide a strong foundation for Isuzu’s plan to launch an autonomous trucking business,” said Shinsuke Minami, representative director, president and COO of Isuzu Motors Ltd. “This strategic partnership will serve as a strong driving force for our goal to create and offer solutions to challenges faced by our customers and society as a whole.”
The trucking industry in Japan is facing challenges, with overwork among drivers being a major public health issue. According to Isuzu, nearly 84% of truck drivers report health problems related to their work; the sector is responsible for 34.3% of overwork-related deaths in the country.
In response to these issues, the Japanese government has revised the Labor Standards Law, limiting annual work hours to 3,300 hours, including breaks. This regulation has heightened concerns about driver shortages, as the industry already faces a projected decline in the number of drivers by 2030, a crisis referred to as The 2024 Problem.
“Applied Intuition is in the business of enabling our OEM customers to deploy next-generation technology in their vehicles. In this case, we’re advancing commercial trucking autonomy with Isuzu,” added Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition.