Japan being the nation known for machine based transportation technology almost every now and then, is preparing to introduce its revolutionized autonomous bullet trains. One of the Japan’s biggest rail network companies, East Japan Railway Company (JR East), has come up with plans which could bring about changes to the Shinkansen. This is an interesting breakthrough and its subsequent effects on Japan shall be discussed.
Japan’s ‘Road To Self-Driving Bullet Trains’
JR East believes that this vision of the autonomous bullet train is not only a dream but a multi-year strategy that will take shape within the next ten years. Such is the aim with an intelligent driverless train as a prototype commencing in mid-2028 and fully over the season between mid-2030-2035. This program is but part of the JR EATS ‘Transformation 2027’ project that was put forward for the first time in 2018 outlining plans to innovate in the long run.
The implementation of this will happen in gradual steps, each corresponding with a greater level of automation Horsch:
- 2028 Automation Level 2: Drivers are onboard ready for use in any emergency but trains, feel without human engagement.
- 2029 Phase 3 automation: Fully automated trains operational but only on specific routes where a crew is available on standby for other operations, excluding driving.
- Mid-2030s: The commencement of utilization of fourth-degree automation on the Joetsu Shinkansen line which connects Tokyo to Niigata, where trains do not have any human conductors or operators on board.
Technological Marvel and Economic Necessity
Autonomous bullet trains are not just use of amazing technology for show; they are a necessity due to economic and demographic challenges. Japan population is ageing very rapidly with 10% of the population now over 80years old and also the birthrate is going down. This demographic change is leading to more labor shortages in many fields.
JR East wants to solve these labor issues while at the same time advancing the new bottom line of turning centrifugal to E bullet train operations. The company representative said it is necessary to always seek new ideas in order to reduce the negative effects of reducing the workforce and how such new technologies will assist current operations.
Implications and Future Prospects
Laying the foundation for Japan’s ultra high-speed bullet trains which autonomous systems may one day operate. Most countries have related self-driving technologies to road vehicles, Japan’s never extended this technology to cars demonstrating it can be employed where there are less dangers like onboard the rail.
This development brings up also relevant discussions regarding the changes in the future of transport jobs and the necessity of human supervision over systems that are becoming more and more automated. Japan remains dominant in transportation advancements, so the world will be waiting in anticipation as to how this grand undertaking unfolds and what is to be learnt from it towards the improvement of the global transportation system.
Moving ahead, Davis warns that Japan’s self-driving bullet trains might probably be seen as an example of how countries can use cutting edge technology to solve problems and stay economically viable with a declining population.
