Unicharm, Kyusoh Transportation System, and T2's Three Companies Begin Mainline Transportation Demonstration of Pet Products by Autonomous Trucks ~Next-Generation Logistics Project Supporting a Society of Coexistence with Pets~

Unicharm Products Co., Ltd., a production subsidiary of Unicharm Corporation (Representative Director and President Executive Officer: Takahisa Takahara), Kyusoh Transportation System Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Hitoichi Tomita, hereinafter "KRS"), and T2 Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and CEO: Masatomo Kumabe, hereinafter "T2") have announced the commencement of a demonstration experiment for mainline 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.

■Background of the Demonstration Experiment

The logistics industry is facing a deepening shortage of drivers, stemming from 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." To further maintain stable supply, they have partnered with T2, which aims to achieve Level 4 (a state where the system performs all driving operations under specific conditions) autonomous truck mainline transportation services by fiscal year 2027. This partnership will conduct a total of four transportation demonstrations using Level 2 (highly functional autonomous driving under specific conditions with driver monitoring) autonomous trucks between April and November 2026.

■Content of the Demonstration Experiment

In this demonstration, T2's Level 2 autonomous trucks will transport Unicharm's pet products over an approximately 500 km section connecting Unicharm Products' Kanto Logistics Center (Saitama Prefecture) and Kansai Logistics Center (Hyogo Prefecture). Of this, about 430 km, from Atsugi IC on the Tomei Expressway to Suita JCT on the Meishin Expressway, will be driven in Level 2 autonomous mode. The experiment will verify the effectiveness and operational feasibility of mainline transportation using autonomous trucks.

Drivers will operate manually in areas requiring safety assurance, such as toll booths.

■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*, as well as their Level 4 autonomous truck mainline transportation service planned for fiscal year 2027.

Going forward, they aim to contribute to the achievement of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by promoting environmental protection and solving social issues through the construction of a sustainable logistics system utilizing cutting-edge technology.

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

【Company Websites】

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

<Kyusoh Transportation System Co., Ltd.> https://www.krs.co.jp/

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

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