Unicharm, Q's Logistics System, and T2 Launch Demonstration of Autonomous Trucks for Trunk Line Transportation of Pet Products

Unicharm Corporation (Representative Director, President and Executive Officer: Takahisa Takahara, hereinafter "Unicharm"), its production subsidiary Unicharm Products Co., Ltd., Q's Logistics System Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Jinichi Tomita, hereinafter "KRS"), and T2 Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and CEO: Masatomo Kumabe, hereinafter "T2") have jointly commenced a demonstration experiment for trunk line transportation of Unicharm's pet products using autonomous trucks. The experiment began on April 2, 2026, on a section of the expressway between the Kanto and Kansai regions.

Autonomous truck entering Unicharm's factory

Background of the Demonstration Experiment

The logistics industry is facing a severe driver shortage, exacerbated by the "2024 problem," making the establishment of a sustainable logistics network an urgent task. Unicharm and KRS have previously pursued efficiency through "optimization of bases" and "promotion of pallet transportation." However, aiming for further stable supply, they have partnered with T2, which aims to realize "Level 4 (a state where the system fully replaces driving operations under specific conditions)" autonomous truck trunk line transportation services in fiscal year 2027. This partnership will conduct a total of four transportation demonstrations using "Level 2 (high-level autonomous driving under driver supervision in specific conditions)" autonomous trucks between April and November 2026, starting from April 2, 2026.

Details of the Demonstration Experiment

In this demonstration, T2's Level 2 autonomous trucks will transport Unicharm's pet products over a section of approximately 500km connecting Unicharm Products Kanto Logistics Center (Saitama Prefecture) and Kansai Logistics Center (Hyogo Prefecture). Of this, the trucks will operate in Level 2 autonomous driving mode for approximately 430km from Tomei Expressway Atsugi IC to Meishin Expressway Suita JCT, verifying the effectiveness and operational feasibility of autonomous truck trunk line transportation. Drivers will manually operate the vehicles in areas requiring safety assurance and at toll booths.

T2's autonomous truck

Example of pet products transported this time

Future Outlook

The logistics industry currently faces complex challenges, including driver shortages, rising transportation costs, and the need to reduce environmental impact. Based on the results of this demonstration, Unicharm and KRS will seriously consider participating in the commercial operation of T2's Level 2 autonomous trucks* and, furthermore, in the Level 4 autonomous truck trunk line transportation service scheduled for fiscal year 2027. Moving forward, they aim to contribute to achieving SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by promoting environmental protection and solving social issues through the construction of a sustainable logistics system utilizing cutting-edge technology.

*Release regarding this matter: https://t2.auto/news/2025/0701.pdf

Company Websites

Unicharm Corporation: https://www.unicharm.co.jp/

Q's Logistics System Co., Ltd.: https://www.krs.co.jp/

T2 Co., Ltd.: https://t2.auto/