Silicon Valley software supplier Applied Intuition is helping Japanese commercial vehicle maker Isuzu Motors accelerate its plan to develop and offer autonomous trucking.

The partnership aims to usher in strong economic and social impacts by optimising commercial logistics, addressing recent concerns surrounding driver shortages.

Truck driver overwork is a major public health issue in Japan with nearly 84% of drivers facing related health problems. Recent studies showed truck drivers accounted for 34.3% of overwork-related deaths. In response, the Japanese government revised its labour laws, capping annual work hours at 3300 hours, including breaks. This has raised concerns about driver shortages in an industry already anticipating a 36% decline in drivers by 2030. It threatens to disrupt supply chains and challenge Japan’s reputation for service.

The partnership wants to expand logistics options and mitigate driver shortages by introducing autonomous driving technology in Japan. In April 2024, Isuzu announced its mid-term management plan to establish automated driving as a business pillar.

Applied Intuition’s technology is designed and developed to help OEMs build safe and intelligent autonomous systems to accelerate autonomy development, validation and deployment.

“We’re advancing commercial trucking autonomy with Isuzu,” said Qasar Younis, CEO of Applied Intuition. “What’s different about Applied Intuition versus other companies in our ecosystem is we don’t succeed if our customers don’t succeed. Because of that, we look forward to helping one of the largest truck OEMs in the world simultaneously address needs in commercial trucking and develop in-house capabilities.”

Shinsuke Minami, president of Isuzu Motors, added: “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.”

Applied Intuition (appliedintuition.com) is a tier-one vehicle software supplier. Founded in 2017, it delivers an AI-powered ADAS and autonomous driving toolchain, vehicle platform and autonomy stack to shorten time to market. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in Michigan, Washington DC, Stuttgart, Munich, Stockholm, Seoul and Tokyo.

Isuzu (www.isuzu.co.jp) is based in Yokohama, Japan, and engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and service of commercial vehicles, pick-up trucks, diesel and natural gas engines, parts and components. Its products are sold in 150 countries and regions worldwide.