These Autonomous Toyotas Have Just Taken Charge At Japan’s Most Crowded Airport | Carscoops

      Autonomous tugs are now operational at Tokyo's airport, utilizing electric power, self-positioning sensors, and remote guidance in an actual deployment.

      Toyota's autonomous towing tractors have started baggage operations at Haneda.

      They rely on obstacle detection and self-positioning for runs through remote operations.

      The maximum speed of these autonomous vehicles is limited to 15 km/h while towing loads of up to 13 tons.

      

      Ground vehicles at airports often appear quirky and somewhat outdated, but Toyota's newest tug offers a more innovative approach. Now in service at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, this driverless model features Level 4 autonomous driving technology, which is usually not permitted on the tarmac.

      The initiative was first revealed in March 2021, with trial operations commencing in October of that year. Development has progressed under Toyota Industries Corporation in collaboration with All Nippon Airways (ANA), and the tractor received an iF Design Award in 2022.

      Starting in December 2025, three autonomous towing tractors will manage baggage and cargo for domestic flights, with an additional three expected to be added by the end of March 2026.

      The company states that this represents the first practical implementation of Level 4 autonomous driving within a restricted area of a Japanese airport. While Level 3 systems have been tested at various domestic airports since 2019, this marks a significant advancement in both scope and capabilities.

      These vehicles are designed to tow container dollies between aircraft and terminals, using onboard technologies for localization and obstacle detection. A remote monitoring system aids the autonomous technology by addressing more complex situations that may occur near active runways and busy airport routes.

      Visually, the tractor closely resembles earlier prototypes. The front bumper and side sills have received minor updates, but the overall design remains unchanged. A Toyota emblem is positioned at the front, accompanied by headlights akin to those on cars, and the cabin includes seating for two, even though no human is anticipated to be driving.

      Multiple sensors, including a LiDAR unit, are strategically placed on the fenders, front, and sides of the vehicle. Collectively, these provide the system with a comprehensive understanding of its environment.

      Toyota has yet to disclose details about the electric motor or battery specifications. However, it is known that the vehicle's performance varies between autonomous and manual operation.

      In autonomous mode, the tractor can reach a maximum speed of 15 km/h (9 mph) and tow loads up to 13 tons (28,700 pounds). When driven manually, those limits increase to 25 km/h (16 mph) and 27 tons (59,500 pounds).

      The primary route these vehicles will operate covers approximately 1.5 km (just under a mile), linking terminal areas with the cargo shed. Along this path, they will encounter two traffic signals that the system is designed to recognize and respond to in cooperation with the new management platform.

      In conjunction with the vehicle deployment, Toyota and ANA are launching a Fleet Management System (FMS). This platform will provide dispatch instructions, designate lanes for departures and arrivals, and connect with the airfield’s traffic light system to facilitate vehicle movement and reduce delays.